KSP Dudung urges South Sumatra farmers not to convert newly developed rice fields
Palembang (ANTARA) - Chief of the Presidential Staff (KSP) Dudung Abdurachman has urged that land from the rice field expansion programme in South Sumatra not be converted to other uses, ensuring it remains planted with paddy to support the national food self-sufficiency target.
During a visit to the programme’s implementation in Ogan Komering Ilir Regency on Thursday, KSP Dudung stated that the paddy field expansion programme is one of President Prabowo Subianto’s priority initiatives to strengthen food security.
In South Sumatra alone, the programme covers approximately 13,000 hectares. This includes around 7,000 hectares in Ogan Komering Ilir Regency, 2,500 hectares in Banyuasin, and 2,700 hectares in Musi Banyuasin.
The development of rice fields in South Sumatra faces challenges, as most of the land is swamp with high acidity levels. Nevertheless, the government is optimistic that the land can be turned into productive agricultural areas through proper management.
Dudung stressed that the function of the newly developed land must be maintained as paddy fields and not be diverted for other commodities.
‘I emphasise to the farmers, do not let any land conversion occur. The land we have developed should not be planted with other crops, but must remain planted with paddy,’ he said.
He noted that the community has welcomed the programme positively. Based on dialogues with farmers, many residents hope the programme will increase their incomes while opening up business opportunities in the agricultural sector.
Currently, there are approximately 300 prospective farmers who will manage the land from the rice field expansion programme.
The programme’s progress will be continuously monitored by the local government together with the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) to ensure the productivity of the new fields continues to improve.
Regarding water supply, Dudung confirmed that the government has planned the construction of irrigation networks, from primary to secondary and tertiary canals, to ensure the fields receive adequate water.
Water availability is a key factor in the programme’s success, as agricultural productivity cannot be achieved solely through superior seeds, fertilisers, or mentoring if the water supply is insufficient.
Dudung expressed hope that all parties will support the paddy field expansion programme, as it aims to increase national food production while improving public welfare through the agricultural sector.