Indonesia accelerates planting to secure 2026 rice production amid climate concerns

Indonesia's Ministry of Agriculture is intensifying efforts to safeguard national rice production, implementing mitigation strategies to counter the anticipated climate dynamics of 2026. The primary goal is to ensure a stable supply of rice and support national food security amid potential water scarcity in various regions.

Ir. Irham Warohian, the Inspector General and Acting Director General of Food Crops, highlighted the acceleration of additional planting areas (LTT) as the core strategy. This initiative aims to maintain rice production levels during the June to September period, a time when drought risks typically increase. "The increase in additional planting areas must be carried out measurably, coordinated, and involve all stakeholders," Irham stated during a meeting on accelerating LTT for the June-September 2026 period.

The ministry is concentrating these accelerated planting efforts in 10 provinces that are central to national rice production: East Java, Central Java, West Java, South Sulawesi, Lampung, South Sumatra, North Sumatra, Banten, West Nusa Tenggara, and South Kalimantan. These regions are crucial for national rice output, making them a priority for production security.

To support these efforts, the ministry is strengthening coordination with regional governments, river basin authorities, state logistics company Bulog, fertilizer producers, fuel distributors, the military, and other relevant agencies. The role of field agricultural extension officers is also being enhanced to provide optimal support to farmers. Additionally, the ministry is expediting government aid distribution, intensifying planting movements, and evaluating subsidized fertilizer distribution to ensure timely and targeted fulfillment of farmers' needs. Measures to combat drought include mapping vulnerable areas, strengthening early warning systems, optimizing water resources through irrigation rehabilitation and alternative sources, and promoting drought-tolerant rice varieties.

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The increase in additional planting areas must be carried out measurably, coordinated, and involve all stakeholders. With appropriate acceleration of planting steps, we are optimistic that rice production will be maintained so that the food needs of the community can be met.