Diponegoro University Semarang has developed a modern rice field\nmodel based on appropriate technology and environmental friendliness in\nthe Undip Special Purpose Forest Area (KHDTK), Penggaron, Semarang,\nCentral Java.<\/p>\n
Head of KHDTK Undip Prof.\u00a0Dr.\u00a0Ir. Sri Puryono said on Wednesday that\nthe innovation was developed on rice field land that had been abandoned\nfor around 5-6 years.<\/p>\n
He explained that the modern rice field concept prioritises\nappropriate technology, is environmentally friendly, and reduces\ndependence on fossil fuels.<\/p>\n
The rice field development currently covers around two hectares of\nland that has been cultivated and begun to be planted with rice.<\/p>\n
The irrigation system utilises six solar panels with a capacity of\naround 60 cubic metres per hour, operated from 09.00 to 16.00 Western\nIndonesia Time.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo support water availability, we have also built a hydraulic pump\nthat can operate for 24 hours,\u201d said the former Regional Secretary of\nCentral Java.<\/p>\n
He hopes the programme will become a field laboratory for testing the\napplication of sustainable agricultural technology, while also\nincreasing the productivity of the area.<\/p>\n
The water source for the rice fields comes from a river that, based\non test results, is not contaminated with heavy metals, while the soil\nacidity level has been measured in the pH range of 7-8, which is\nconsidered suitable for rice cultivation.<\/p>\n
In the initial stage, the rice varieties planted are Inpari\n(Irrigated Rice Inbred) and Inpago, which are superior upland rice\nvarieties suitable for planting on dry land.<\/p>\n
Furthermore, he said, Undip is developing superior varieties from\ncrossing Rojolele with rice varieties from Japan.<\/p>\n
The development will also be continued with trials of red rice rich\nin nutrients and fibre suitable for people with diabetes.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is hoped that this trial can succeed and produce optimally to\nbecome a model for productive, efficient, and environmentally friendly\nagricultural development,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Undip Vice Rector II for Planning, Finance, Assets,\nBusiness and Household Affairs Dr.\u00a0Warsito Kawedar emphasised that the\ndevelopment of modern rice fields in KHDTK Penggaron is not only\ndirected at producing agricultural products.<\/p>\n
The area is expected to develop into a centre for learning and\nresearch, particularly as an agricultural laboratory.<\/p>\n
According to him, the existence of productive agricultural land in\nthe KHDTK area can also be developed in an integrated manner with\nnatural tourism potential, one of which is the concept of forest\nedu-ecotourism.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is hoped that the Undip KHDTK area in Penggaron can develop into\nforest edu-ecotourism,\u201d he said.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/undip-develops-modern-environmentally-friendly-rice-fields-1787739904", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }