BBRMP Maluku Monitors Lowland Rice Seed Production in West Seram

The Maluku Large Center for Agricultural Modernisation Application (BBRMP) is conducting monitoring and evaluation of lowland rice source seed production in West Seram Regency to ensure that the seed development programme proceeds according to the established targets.

“We are ensuring that the production process of lowland rice source seeds in West Seram is running according to target. The harvest obtained is a vital part of our efforts to meet the demand for superior seeds for farmers in Maluku,” stated the Head of BBRMP Maluku, Gunawan, in Ambon on Monday.

The monitoring activity was carried out by the BBRMP Maluku Monitoring and Evaluation Team, represented by the Head of the Programme and Assignment Substance Group, Novendra Cahyo Nugroho, at the seed production land located in Waimital, West Seram.

During the inspection, the team confirmed that the production activities are proceeding as planned. Out of a total production area of four hectares, approximately two hectares of the Pajajaran variety have been harvested, yielding around 6.3 tonnes of dry harvested grain (GKP), which will subsequently be processed into certified seeds. Meanwhile, the Inpari 42 variety is targeted for harvest in the second week of June 2026 to support seed production targets.

BBRMP Maluku aims to produce 10 tonnes of lowland rice foundation seeds in 2026. Based on projections for Maluku with a Planting Index (IP) of 1.5, the seed requirement is estimated to reach 13.47 tonnes. Assuming a seed requirement of 40 kilograms per hectare across Maluku’s total standard paddy field area (LBS) of 17,960 hectares, which includes 1,059 hectares in West Seram, the demand remains significant.

According to BBRMP Maluku, the production of new superior variety source seeds is a strategic factor in increasing agricultural productivity and supporting regional food security. Data from 2025 shows that rice harvesting area in Maluku increased by 1.57 per cent, production rose by 13.93 per cent, and productivity increased from 4.6 tonnes per hectare to 5.19 tonnes of GKP per hectare. However, these figures remain below the national average of 6.35 tonnes per hectare.

“In addition to having strategic value for agricultural development, the activity location in Waimital also holds historical value. The area is known for the New Community Movement (Gemba), which serves as a symbol of the community’s spirit of mutual cooperation in building villages and strengthening food security,” he added.