The Ministry of Agriculture (Kementan) is unwavering in its commitment to mitigate the impacts of the El Nino phenomenon through an extensive irrigation program, particularly focused on Java. Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman emphasized the ongoing effort to irrigate paddy fields affected by El Nino, employing massive pumping programs in areas such as the Bengawan Solo and Cimanuk rivers. This initiative, coupled with insurance programs, aims to support farmers in cultivating their fields amidst challenging climatic conditions. The open irrigation system allows water pumped by machines to flow seamlessly from one field to another, enabling farmers to enhance their crop index and achieve two harvests instead of one, optimizing rain-fed fields and improving swamp area productivity.
Minister Amran foresees a significant boost in rice availability, estimating an additional 3.5 million tons from the December 2023 to January 2024 production period. This surplus is anticipated to ensure ample rice supplies in March, April, and May 2024. Beyond immediate relief, Kementan is actively exploring the potential of 10 million hectares of swamp land for sustainable agricultural development, aiming to restore normalcy to Indonesia's farming sector. Amran underscores the urgency of focusing on the agricultural sector, given the shared challenges posed by El Nino, affecting not only Indonesia but also neighboring countries like Thailand. The optimization of swamp land is seen as a substantial opportunity to revive Indonesia's agriculture and significantly boost food production. Meanwhile, the Head of the National Food Agency (Bapanas), Arief Prasetyo Adi, predicts a forthcoming decrease in rice prices, assuring the public of robust strategic stockpiles and additional stocks during the peak harvest season from March to June, ensuring food security and comfort during the Ramadan fasting period.
