Agriculture Ministry and PLN Accelerate Electrification of Rice Fields to Support Food Self-Sufficiency
The Ministry of Agriculture (Kementan) and PT PLN (Persero) are accelerating the implementation of the Electricity for Rice Fields (Listrik Masuk Sawah) programme as part of efforts to increase agricultural productivity and strengthen the achievement of national food self-sufficiency targets. The programme promotes the use of electric power to support more efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable irrigation pumping systems.
Acting Director General of Food Crops, Irham Waroihan, stated that the collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture and PLN is a concrete step by the government to address challenges of water scarcity and high agricultural operational costs. The Electricity for Rice Fields programme not only provides energy access for farmers but also serves as an important instrument to increase planting area, cropping index, and rice productivity.
“By switching from fuel-powered pumps to electric pumps, farmers’ production costs can be reduced, making farming more efficient and profitable,” Irham said at the Directorate General of Food Crops office on Wednesday (17/6/2026).
A coordination meeting involving PLN officials and technical units of the Ministry of Agriculture discussed accelerating implementation in 10 priority provinces that contribute around 80.1 percent of the national planting area. The programme is also integrated with various government support measures, such as assistance for superior seeds, fertilisers, and other production inputs to boost food production.
PLN has expressed its commitment to continue supporting the programme. Since 2024, PLN has followed up on 4,328 proposed agricultural electrification points. To date, 1,773 agricultural sites have gained electricity access to support cultivation activities and irrigation pumping systems.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Agriculture continues to strengthen agricultural irrigation infrastructure. In 2024, 100 irrigation pumping system units were built, increasing to 775 units in 2025, all of which are now operational. For 2026, the government is targeting the addition of approximately 17,400 pumping units across various regions. Irham stressed that the success of the Electricity for Rice Fields programme requires support from all parties, from central and regional governments and PLN to farmer groups.
“We hope that the stronger synergy between the Ministry of Agriculture and PLN can accelerate the expansion of electricity services in agricultural areas,” he said. With reliable and affordable energy support, farmers can increase planting intensity and productivity, so that the target of increasing national food production can be achieved sustainably.