Cianjur TPHP Department on Guard Against 'Godzilla' El Niño, Prepares Strategic Anticipation Measures

The Food Crops, Horticulture, and Plantations Department (TPHP) of Cianjur Regency, West Java, is on alert for the potential ‘Godzilla’ El Niño phenomenon. This is because the phenomenon is forecasted to bring extreme dry conditions.

The Head of the Plantations Division of the Cianjur TPHP Department, Asep Gani Suhendar, stated that according to the BMKG, the ‘Godzilla’ El Niño could trigger drought that increases the risk of forest and land fires. In response to this potential, the TPHP Department views it necessary to implement various anticipatory measures.

“This includes increasing socialisation to farmers and the community to face this phenomenon,” said Gani on Sunday (5/4).

Specifically in the agricultural sector, Gani said, anticipatory efforts must be made to avoid disrupting production. Therefore, farmers are being encouraged to speed up the rice planting period and choose short-maturity varieties.

“Planting should also be prioritised on lands close to water sources such as wells or reservoirs,” he added.

The TPHP Department is also intensifying the pest control movement programme (Gerdal) in several sub-districts. This programme serves as an educational tool for farmers to deal with the impacts of extreme climate change.

In its implementation, farmers are given understanding regarding the control of plant-disturbing organisms (OPT), horticultural cultivation techniques, and strategies to face unpredictable weather. This programme involves synergy between farmers, plant-disturbing organism controllers (POPT), and agricultural extension workers.

Gani mentioned that horticultural commodities such as chillies and various types of vegetables are expected to be the most affected if prolonged drought occurs. This is because these commodities have high and stable water requirements.

“That’s why, lands that are still feasible for planting must be near water sources. The existence of water sources must be managed well to keep their availability maintained,” he said.

However, Gani noted, the El Niño phenomenon does not entirely have negative impacts. Amid the drought threat, there are opportunities for increased production of perennial fruit crops that are relatively more resistant to dry conditions.

“There are some commodities that are drought-resistant,” he concluded.