Governor states PM-AAS method boosts rice harvests in Banten

Serang (ANTARA) - Banten Governor Andra Soni stated that the implementation of the Modern Agriculture-Advanced Agricultural System (PM-AAS) has proven capable of significantly boosting rice harvest productivity in the region, reaching 12.88 tonnes of grain per hectare.

Andra Soni made the statement while attending a grand harvest using modern agricultural technology in Kasunyatan Village, Kasemen District, Serang City, on Tuesday.

“The use of the PM-AAS method has multiplied the harvest yield from a normal average of 6 tonnes to 12.88 tonnes of grain per hectare, based on the results of the Serang City BPS (Central Bureau of Statistics) field survey,” he said.

This modernisation provides a net profit of approximately Rp49 million per planting season per hectare, which is believed to significantly improve the welfare of farmer groups.

The Banten Provincial Government ensures that farmers receive intensive assistance in operating advanced equipment, such as agricultural drones, until they are proficient and certified.

“Therefore, in the future, equipment assistance from the central, provincial, and district or city levels will increase and can be effectively utilised by our farmers,” he explained.

On that occasion, Andra Soni also committed to maintaining the established area of Permanent Rice Fields (LBS) in several regions within Banten Province. To support productivity and increase farmer yields, the Banten Provincial Government will continue to optimise several irrigation systems that serve as the lifeblood of agriculture.

“I am optimistic that with the application of this technology, Banten Province will become even stronger as a national food buffer, even contributing towards Indonesia’s ambition to become a global food granary by 2045,” he said.

The implementation of the PM-AAS method currently covers an area of 100 hectares spread across three villages, namely Margaluyu, Kilasah, and Kasunyatan, involving seven farmer groups and the use of the superior Inpari 32 seed variety.