Severe weathers devasted Indonesia. As of 9 March 2026, flooding, strong winds and extreme weather affected several areas in Indonesia. In Pasuruan Regency, East Java, heavy rain and strong winds killed one person and injured three others across 10 districts, while assessments of material damage were ongoing. Similarly, floods displaced 80 households across 10 districts in Tangerang City, Banten Province. In neighboring South Tangerang City, 1,118 households across four residential areas in two districts were affected. In Jakarta, flooding in 23 residential areas in three districts forced 122 people to evacuate to safer locations. Authorities distributed relief supplies and non-food assistance to affected residents.

Source: Bernama. (2026, Mar 9).  Heavy Rain And Strong Winds In East Java Claim One life, Injure Three.

Flooding forced hundreds of residents in Malaysia to evacuate. As of 10 March 2026, flooding triggered by heavy overnight rain inundated northern Sabah, Malaysia. In Kota Marudu, nearly 400 people were evacuated from low-lying villages. In Pitas and Paitan, more than 30 people were moved to safer locations. Authorities provided necessary assistance and carried out rescue operations to address the situation.

Source: The Straits Times. (2026, Mar 10). Nearly 400 evacuated as fresh floods hit northern Sabah.

Malaysia approved 45.6 million RM for the new rice mill project. The government has approved 45.6 million MYR to build a new rice mill for the Muda Agricultural Development Authority (MADA) in Megat Dewa to improve the efficiency of paddy collection, processing, and rice production, thereby increasing the value of paddy yields and reducing farmers’ reliance on middlemen. In addition, MADA aims to achieve an average paddy yield of 6.1 tonnes per hectare by 2026 through modernised field management, improved irrigation and drainage systems, and better use of agricultural inputs. The government is working to raise Malaysia’s rice self-sufficiency rate to 70 percent by 2030, up from 52.6 percent nationwide and 58.3 percent in Peninsular Malaysia, as part of efforts to strengthen national food security.

*1 USD = 3.93 MYR

Source: Bernama. (2026, March 9). RM45.6mil for Mada rice mill.

Thai Organic Rice Exports to China Jump Sharply in Early 2026. According to the Department of Foreign Trade (DFT), Thai organic rice exports to China reached 638 tonnes in January 2026, a 334 percent increase from the same period in the previous year, making China the largest market for Thai organic rice. The surge in exports was driven by rising demand from Chinese consumers who are seeking healthier, safer, and premium-quality rice products. In 2025, Thailand exported 26,110 tonnes of organic rice, an increase of 17.12 percent, valued at 1.21 billion THB. Shipments to China totaled 3,352 tonnes, a 727.65 percent increase, worth 155 million THB. To further expand exports, the DFT plans a promotional event in Guangzhou in July 2026 and will support SMEs producing premium rice. The promotion will highlight organic rice, Sustainable Rice Platform (SRP) rice, low-carbon rice, indigenous rice, GI rice, and health-focused rice products, targeting premium and niche markets through influencer marketing.

Source: NBT CONNEXT. (2026, March 7). Thai Organic Rice Exports to China Jump 334% in Early 2026.

Viet Nam rice export is rising in the first 2 months. According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, Vietnam exported 1.3 million tonnes of rice in January–February 2026, up 5 percent year-on-year, and the export value fell 11.2 percent to 599.3 million USD due to lower prices. The average export price fell 15.4 percent to USD 464.1 per tonne. The Philippines remained Vietnam’s largest market, accounting for 47.6 percent of exports, followed by China (18.3 percent) and Ghana (8.9 percent). Shipments to the Philippines rose 17.6 percent, while exports to China surged 5.8 times. In contrast, exports to Ghana fell 31 percent, and Côte d’Ivoire dropped sharply by 90.9 percent. In addition, Vietnam’s 5 percent broken rice was priced at about 365 USD per tonne, unchanged from the previous week. However, trading activity has slowed as buyers expect prices to decline further amid rising domestic supply during the winter–spring harvest.

Source: VnExpress International. (2026, March 9). Rice export volume rises 5% in first 2 months.