Berau Regency Prepares Agriculture for 2026 Drought

In the face of anticipated drought conditions in 2026, the Berau Regency government in East Kalimantan is proactively safeguarding its vital agricultural sector. This forward-thinking approach, spearheaded by Regent Sri Juniarsih Mas, underscores a commitment to ensuring food security and maintaining optimal production levels for rice and other essential crops.

The strategy involves a multi-pronged attack against the encroaching dry season. Key initiatives include meticulous mapping of vulnerable areas, enhancing water resource management through improved irrigation systems and pumping programs, and the adoption of climate-resilient agricultural practices. These efforts are crucial for mitigating the potential impact of a prolonged dry spell, predicted to last from May to October 2026.

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A number of steps have been taken in Berau, including improving rice field irrigation through pumping systems, piping, building reservoirs, providing water pumps, and building ditches in the fields.

Coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture is paramount, with the Berau government actively participating in national-level mitigation efforts. While challenges such as saltwater intrusion into paddy fields exist, the central government has pledged financial support, contingent on the completion of necessary administrative procedures. This collaborative spirit between national and regional authorities is essential for bolstering agricultural resilience and ensuring the sustained well-being of the farming communities in Berau.

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The Berau Regency government is committed to supporting the mitigation steps formulated with the Ministry of Agriculture. However, sometimes there are obstacles such as paddy fields affected by seawater intrusion.