Indonesia Adopts Water-Saving Farming to Boost Rice Production
Lamseen – The Indonesian government plans to implement the water-sufficient paddy irrigation (IPHA) technique nationwide, following its successful pilot in Cirebon, West Java, according to Public Works Minister Dody Hanggodo. The innovative irrigation system aims to optimize water usage while improving rice yields and increasing farmers’ income.
In a statement released on Sunday, Minister Hanggodo highlighted IPHA as a breakthrough in paddy cultivation. The technique integrates efficient management of water, soil, and crops to address water scarcity and enhance productivity. By adopting this approach, the government seeks to boost rice production across the country and ensure sustainable farming practices.
“IPHA has shown promising results in Cirebon, where farmers achieved higher productivity while reducing water consumption. This initiative aligns with our commitment to sustainable agriculture and food security,” the minister stated. The government intends to gradually introduce IPHA to all rice fields in Indonesia, targeting areas most affected by water shortages.
The IPHA system represents a shift from traditional irrigation methods, which often waste water, to a more targeted and resource-conscious approach. Farmers practicing IPHA monitor water usage closely, ensuring optimal moisture levels for crops while conserving water resources. This method also contributes to improving soil health and reducing farming costs.
Minister of Public Works Dody Hanggodo emphasized the success of the water-sufficient paddy irrigation (IPHA) technique in boosting rice yields while conserving water in the Rentang irrigation area, Cirebon. The initiative has demonstrated its potential to revolutionize rice farming in Indonesia, addressing water scarcity and enhancing agricultural productivity.
“IPHA has significantly increased rice production while using less water. This technique enables farmers to achieve maximum yields with efficient resource management. I am confident we can replicate this success across Indonesia,” Hanggodo stated during a site visit to the Rentang irrigation area on Saturday.
Following the pilot project’s success, the government plans to expand the IPHA technique to approximately 2,000 hectares in the Kamun irrigation area, Majalengka, West Java. This marks the next step in scaling up the innovative irrigation method to reach more rice-producing regions across the country.
The IPHA technique focuses on optimizing water use and soil health while ensuring crops receive adequate moisture. By introducing this approach, the government aims to address the challenges of water scarcity and climate change, which have increasingly affected Indonesia’s agricultural sector.
Hanggodo added that the government’s long-term goal is to implement IPHA nationwide, ensuring sustainable farming practices and enhancing food security. “This initiative will not only improve rice yields but also empower farmers by reducing costs and increasing their income,” he remarked.
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Director General of Water Resources at the Ministry of Public Works, Bob Arthur Lombogia, highlighted the significant advantages of the water-sufficient paddy irrigation (IPHA) technique, which is poised to transform rice farming practices across Indonesia. He explained that the method enables rice farmers to reduce water consumption by up to 30%, a critical benefit in managing resources effectively during the dry season.
“This technique not only conserves water but also allows farmers to allocate saved water to other cultivation plots during dry periods,” Lombogia stated.
The IPHA method is designed to be both cost-effective and efficient. Farmers need only 10 kilograms of seeds per hectare, substantially lowering input costs. Additionally, it shortens the time to harvest and boosts rice production to as much as 11 tons per hectare, a significant improvement over traditional methods.
Lombogia emphasized that IPHA aligns with the government’s vision for sustainable agriculture, enhancing productivity while addressing water scarcity. “This method is a win-win solution. It increases yields, reduces costs, and conserves essential resources. These benefits make it an ideal approach for scaling across the nation,” he remarked.
The Ministry of Public Works plans to replicate the success of the IPHA pilot project in Cirebon on a larger scale, starting with 2,000 hectares in Majalengka, West Java. This initiative aims to equip farmers with tools and techniques that not only improve their livelihoods but also contribute to Indonesia’s food security.
Sunaryo, a local farmer in Cirebon, shared his success story after adopting the water-sufficient paddy irrigation (IPHA) technique. Over the past year, he experienced a substantial boost in his rice yields, underscoring the method’s potential to revolutionize farming in Indonesia.
“The IPHA technique has significantly increased my harvests,” Sunaryo said. “My yields have grown from 8.4 tons per hectare to between 9.8 tons and 10.5 tons per hectare.”
The IPHA method focuses on efficient water management and optimized crop cultivation, allowing farmers like Sunaryo to achieve higher productivity with fewer resources. By precisely controlling water usage and improving soil health, the technique ensures that every drop of water contributes to better harvests.
Sunaryo also emphasized the cost-effectiveness of the method. “Using fewer seeds and reducing water waste has not only increased my output but has also lowered my overall farming costs,” he added.
This testimony highlights the real-world impact of the IPHA technique, which the Indonesian government plans to expand across the country. The success seen in Cirebon has already encouraged plans to implement the method on 2,000 hectares of land in Majalengka, West Java, as part of a broader initiative to promote sustainable and productive farming practices.
With farmers like Sunaryo reporting tangible benefits, the IPHA technique is poised to become a game-changer for Indonesia’s agricultural sector, ensuring food security and economic growth while addressing environmental challenges.
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