The Ministry of Agriculture has implemented the Tertiary Irrigation Network Rehabilitation (RJIT) program for the Suka Makmur Farmer Group in Sentolo Village, Sentolo District, Kulon Progo Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta. Now, the supply of water for agriculture has become smooth and has an impact on increasing agricultural productivity. Minister of Agriculture Syahrul Yasin Limpo said that water has a vital role in the growth and development of farmers' agricultural cultivation.
Without a good water supply, it is impossible for agricultural cultivation to develop properly. "Water is the heart of agriculture. Therefore, water must be considered carefully if you want agricultural cultivation to develop well," he said.The Director General of Agricultural Infrastructure and Facilities (PSP) of the Ministry of Agriculture, Ali Jamil added, the RJIT program is an effort from the Ministry of Agriculture to continue to maintain the level of agricultural productivity. With good water, it is hoped that productivity can be maintained, and even continue to increase. "One of the keys to successful food security is productivity.
To boost agricultural productivity, agricultural infrastructure and facilities must be well guaranteed," said Ali. Ali assessed that the RJIT program was in line with the national agricultural development goals, namely providing food for all people, increasing farmers' welfare and boosting exports. "This RJIT is a water management program. Of course, the smooth distribution of water must be carefully considered so that farmers can develop their agricultural cultivation well," he said.
Director of Agricultural Irrigation at the Directorate General of PSP of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rahmanto explained, the RJIT program for the Suka Makmur Farmer Group was realized because the initial condition of their rice fields was 50 hectares with irrigation water flow conditions being less than optimal because the soil channels often collapsed and leaked. "The output of the RJIT work is a 160-meter hard surface lining to serve the smooth water flow of 50 hectares of rice fields," he said. The smooth supply of irrigation water is expected to maintain cultivation in the second and third growing seasons and it is hoped that it can increase the planting season for crops or vegetables in the fourth growing season. "Increasing irrigation water supply and increasing the planting period are expected to increase the income of beneficiary farmers," said Rahmanto.
