Indonesian Farmers’ Union Praises Agriculture Ministry for Raising Rice Output During Dry Season

Rice production per hectare has risen to between 8 and 10 tons in some Indonesian fields during the dry season, but farmers are planting less land because irrigation does not reach every area. Henry Saragih, chairman of the Indonesian Farmers’ Union, cited the figures while praising the Agriculture Ministry’s efforts to protect production.

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During this dry season, rice production can rise to 8 to 10 tons per hectare. However, the area planted with rice has declined because not all of it receives irrigation.

Speaking during an open discussion on RRI on Aug. 31, Saragih said stronger irrigation facilities had helped sustain agricultural productivity. He also warned that the dry conditions could continue into 2027, requiring preparations to begin early.

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Our farmers need not only information from BMKG, but also information and concrete support from the government.

Farmers need more than weather information from the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysical Agency, Saragih said. They also need concrete information and support from the government, including repaired irrigation channels and water pumps.

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Both rice and secondary crops still need water. This is what we must anticipate, especially if the dry season continues into 2027.

Water remains essential for rice as well as secondary crops, he said. The government should ensure that irrigation infrastructure continues to operate effectively throughout the dry season. Saragih also called for the construction of reservoirs as water reserves and for irrigation networks to be prepared as seasonal patterns change.

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Going forward, we must continue building reservoirs as water reserves, and irrigation channels must also be prepared.