217 hectares of new rice fields to be developed in Lebak to support food self-sufficiency

Lebak (ANTARA) - The Lebak Regency Government in Banten Province will develop new rice fields covering 217 hectares in 2026 to support the food self-sufficiency programme and improve the economy of the local community.

Head of the Lebak Regency Agriculture Office, Rahmat Yuniar, in Lebak on Saturday, stated that the development of these new rice fields is feasible, as it has been assessed by a survey, investigation, and design (SID) team from academics at Bogor Agricultural Institute (IPB).

The 217 hectares of new rice fields will be developed in several sub-districts, including Cihara, Gunungkencana, and Cibeber.

“We hope that the development of these new rice fields will enable farming groups to produce food and achieve economic prosperity,” Rahmat said.

According to him, Lebak Regency has long been a food granary in Banten Province, with 52,000 hectares of technical irrigated paddy fields (LBS) and a cropping index (IP) of three crops per year.

With three crops per year on 52,000 hectares of LBS, this equates to 156,000 hectares, yielding over 700,000 tons of harvested unmilled rice.

Converting the over 700,000 tons of harvested unmilled rice to rice produces 440,000 tons, while the consumption needs of Lebak Regency’s 1.5 million residents amount to 180,000 tons, resulting in a surplus of 260,000 tons.

Thus, Lebak Regency has a surplus of 260,000 tons and can contribute to national food availability.

“We are confident that the new rice field development will certainly increase food production,” he explained.

Meanwhile, several farmers have expressed positive reception to the new rice field development, as it can boost farmers’ incomes.

“We hope that the new rice fields will be managed by farming groups,” one said.