Agricultural Extension Workers in Surade Initiate Self-Funded PM-AAS Rice Demonstration Plot to Boost Production

Agricultural extension workers in Surade District, Sukabumi Regency, have initiated the application of the PM-AAS method through a self-funded rice demonstration plot. Rimawan, Coordinator of the Surade Agricultural Extension Centre (BPP), stated that this activity is a concrete effort to introduce cultivation technology to farmers while simultaneously encouraging increased rice productivity in the region. He noted that since the start of the programme, many farmers have visited to observe the cultivation process directly and have shown interest in learning the applied technology. All activity needs, from seed provision and land preparation to crop maintenance and harvesting, were carried out independently by the BPP as a commitment to accelerating the adoption of innovation at the farmer level. ‘Alhamdulillah, the farmers’ enthusiasm is very high. They want to see firsthand how the PM-AAS method is applied in the field so that it can hopefully be adopted more widely in the next planting season,’ said Rimawan on Thursday, 9 July 2026. One of the demonstration plots covers an area of approximately 2,000 square metres, using the Pajajaran rice variety on land belonging to the Sukarama Farmers Group in Cipeundeuy Village, Surade District. According to Rimawan, the potential for developing the demonstration plot remains significant. In Cipeundeuy Village, there are still about two hectares of uncultivated land that could potentially be used to expand the application of the PM-AAS method. However, limited capital is currently the main obstacle to further development. ‘The available land is actually quite extensive, around two hectares that are still empty. The main constraint at the moment is capital, so support from various parties is needed so that the application of this technology can be expanded,’ he said. The PM-AAS method is a rice cultivation approach that optimises crop and resource management efficiently. Its application is expected to increase productivity, reduce production costs, and raise farmers’ incomes. Through this demonstration plot, agricultural extension workers hope farmers can see the benefits of the technology firsthand before applying it on their own land. The self-funded initiative by the Surade BPP demonstrates the active role of agricultural extension workers as drivers of innovation in the field. Looking ahead, capital support and collaboration from various parties are expected to expand the application of the PM-AAS method, allowing more farmers to benefit from increased rice farming productivity.