Drought Begins to Affect Agricultural Land in Sukabumi

Agricultural land in Sukabumi Regency, West Java, is reported to have begun feeling the impact of the dry season. The decline in river water discharge has triggered drought in several farming areas due to a lack of irrigation supply.

The Manager of the Control and Operations Centre (Pusdalops) of the Sukabumi Regency BPBD, Daeng Sutisna, said that in several regions the dry season is starting to affect agricultural land. This condition is triggered by decreasing water discharge in river flows. "For now, in several areas affected by drought, it is mostly agricultural land," Daeng said on Friday (10/7).

Nevertheless, Daeng has not yet detailed the exact locations or the extent of agricultural land affected by the drought. Currently, the BPBD has coordinated with the local Agriculture Office for further handling measures. "Detailed data on the location and area of land affected by drought is with the technical agency," he said.

The reduction in rainfall in the Sukabumi area has reportedly been ongoing for more than a month. However, Daeng stated that his party has not received massive reports regarding a clean water crisis among the community. "The report (of a water crisis) has only come from Cibadak District. We have handled it by sending one delivery of clean water," he revealed.

To date, the Sukabumi Regency Government has not declared a drought or forest and land fire emergency alert status in response to this year’s dry season. The BPBD emphasised that it continues to monitor the development of the situation and real conditions on the ground. "For now, we are still monitoring the area first," he concluded.