Indonesia Pushes Rice Planting Ahead of El Nino Peak

Indonesia is intensifying its rice planting campaign, targeting 750 hectares in Lamongan Regency, East Java, to bolster national food production and mitigate the anticipated impacts of El Nino.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture Sudaryono emphasized that increasing the planted area is crucial for a larger harvest. The government is committed to meeting all farmer needs, from irrigation and seeds to fertilizers and machinery, to support this goal. Lamongan is recognized as a vital food-producing region in East Java, contributing significantly to national targets with positive agricultural indicators.

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This initiative is an effort to strengthen national rice production and maintain the momentum of increasing planted area in one of Indonesia's main food barns.

The Ministry of Agriculture is also implementing proactive measures against El Nino, projected to peak between July and September, with the strongest effects in August. National food reserves are reported to be secure to meet public demand during this period.

To combat potential drought, the ministry is enhancing water infrastructure by revitalizing irrigation networks, constructing new facilities, drilling for groundwater, and deploying water pumps. Nearly 100,000 water pumps have been distributed nationwide since 2024 as part of these efforts to maintain agricultural productivity.

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The key to agriculture is simple: if you want a larger harvest, you must plant more. Therefore, the government is ensuring that all production needs are met so that farmers can increase their planted area and productivity.