Bantul Regency intensifies sorghum cultivation as alternative to rice
Yogyakarta (ANTARA) - The Bantul Regency Government, Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY), has begun intensifying the cultivation of sorghum as an effort to strengthen regional food security while providing an alternative staple food to rice.
The Head of the Bantul Food Security and Agriculture Office (DKPP), Joko Waluyo, stated in Bantul on Sunday that sorghum has great potential for development within the Bantul region. According to him, sorghum cultivation was previously undertaken in the area from 2013 to 2015, but its development halted due to marketing constraints.
“Around 2013 to 2015, it was cultivated, but there were sales issues because the price was too low,” he said. Joko noted that during that period, the area of sorghum cultivation in Bantul reached approximately 100 hectares, with significant production in Poncosari Village, Srandakan District, where productivity was considered quite good. “The yield back then was around six to seven tonnes per hectare,” he added.
Recognising this potential, the Bantul Regency Government plans to redevelop sorghum cultivation, starting in Karangtengah Village, Imogiri District, involving local farmer groups and the Al Mahali Watu Ageng Islamic Boarding School. “Our hope is that it can be developed on marginal lands, as we frankly have many marginal lands in Bantul,” he said.
He explained that marginal lands, which are currently less productive, can be utilised for sorghum cultivation as it serves as an alternative carbohydrate source to rice, while the stalks and leaves can also be used for livestock feed. “Ultimately, sorghum can provide the necessary carbohydrates to replace rice, and its stalks and leaves can be utilised for animal fodder.”
Meanwhile, Jazimah, the Secretary of the Tamanmojo Farmer Group in Mojolegi Hamlet, Karangtengah Village, Imogiri District, said that sorghum cultivation in their area utilises Sultan Ground (SG) that was previously unproductive. “Initial planting was conducted in July 2024, and now it is being expanded to new land,” she said.
She noted that the food crop area in her region reaches approximately 17 hectares, the majority of which is planted with paddy. However, she emphasised that the sorghum cultivation programme will not reduce or interfere with the land already allocated for rice crops. “We are maximising marginal lands that are part of the Sultan Ground status which can be utilised,” she said.
She expressed hope that sorghum cultivation could improve the welfare of farmers and residents of the Islamic boarding school, while simultaneously reducing the community’s dependence on rice consumption. “If there is sorghum, it can be rotated with rice,” she concluded.