Bandung DKPP Prepares for Dry Season, Deploys Dozens of Water Pumps for Farmers

Facing the dry season now being felt in several agricultural areas, the Bandung City Food and Agriculture Security Agency (DKPP) is stepping up anticipatory measures. These range from mapping drought-prone areas and providing water pumps to preparing drought-resistant seeds. Head of DKPP Bandung City, Gin Gin Ginanjar, stated on Thursday (25/6) that the government has identified several agricultural areas potentially facing water shortages during the dry season. Agricultural areas spread across eastern Bandung are considered the most vulnerable if the dry season persists. “Looking at the distribution of rice fields, many are in eastern areas such as Gedebage, Cibiru, Ujungberung, Buahbatu, Mandalajati, and surrounding regions. These are points prone to drought,” he explained. Gin Gin noted that some farmers in the Rancasari area have already begun complaining about reduced water flow typically used to irrigate their fields. “Farmers in Rancasari are already feeling the water decrease and need pump assistance to draw water from surface sources. Besides mapping drought-prone areas, the government is also educating farmers on cultivation techniques that are more adaptive to climate change,” he said. Other steps include repairing simple irrigation access, preparing shallow wells or boreholes, and providing superior seeds that are drought-resistant and have a faster harvest period. “We are also anticipating pest and disease attacks that usually emerge during prolonged dry seasons. The threat to farmers is not only water shortages but also increased disturbances from plant pests,” he added. To support water needs in the field, DKPP currently has around 30 water pump units distributed to farmer groups and the Agricultural Machinery Brigade (Alsintan). These pumps can be borrowed free of charge by farmers in need, with farmers only bearing operational costs such as fuel. “We provide the equipment for free. Farmers only cover operational costs. However, we are also continuously coordinating with the central government to obtain additional pump assistance because the needs in the field are quite substantial,” he explained. Gin Gin added that the agricultural characteristics of Bandung City differ from major food-producing regions because most farmland still relies on rain-fed systems and lacks primary technical irrigation networks. This condition makes water issues a constant challenge for farmers, even outside of prolonged dry seasons. “Bandung City does not have technical irrigation like major agricultural areas. Therefore, water issues are a daily challenge for farmers. When the dry season arrives, the efforts required are even greater,” he stressed. Despite this, Gin Gin remains optimistic that the various mitigation measures implemented can help farmers maintain agricultural productivity and safeguard Bandung City’s food security throughout the dry season.