Minister of Public Works Instructs Construction of Tertiary Irrigation Channels for Farmers
Boyolali, Central Java (ANTARA) - The Minister of Public Works (PU), Dody Hanggodo, has instructed the acceleration of tertiary channel construction to optimise irrigation water distribution to farmers, following the establishment of the Groundwater Irrigation Network (JIAT) infrastructure in Boyolali Regency, Central Java.
“This water must be conserved and managed well. I request that the tertiary network be built immediately, so that the water is not wasted and can reach more rice fields efficiently,” Dody stated in Ketintang Village, Boyolali Regency, Central Java, on Sunday (29/3).
Dody directly inspected the JIAT in Ketintang Village, Boyolali Regency, Central Java. The inspection was conducted to ensure the availability of water for agricultural land remains maintained, especially amid the declining irrigation services from the Boyo Dam.
The Boyo Dam, owned by the Central Java Provincial Government, which previously irrigated hundreds of hectares of rice fields, is no longer functioning optimally. Its service capacity, previously around 700-800 hectares, has decreased to less than 500 hectares, leaving farmers heavily dependent on rainfall for cultivation.
Through the construction of JIAT, the Ministry of PU provides an alternative groundwater-based water source to support agricultural sustainability, particularly during the dry season.
Minister Dody emphasised that the availability of water sources must be accompanied by efficient distribution to agricultural land.
“Insya Allah, our food security is secure. The important thing is to prepare the water from now, manage it well, and ensure efficient distribution,” added Minister Dody.
The JIAT in Ketintang Village is a groundwater-based irrigation system with a well depth of around 120 metres, equipped with a pipe network and pump house to channel water to agricultural land.
Technically, the JIAT in the Boyolali area has a service capacity of around 20 hectares, with a pipe network spanning approximately 700 metres and eight water distribution boxes.
With this system, farmers can utilise water more stably throughout the year and no longer rely solely on the rainy season.
In addition to constructing the tertiary network, the Ministry of PU will also consider support for other supporting infrastructure, such as farm access roads, to facilitate the distribution of agricultural produce.
The Ministry of PU continues to expand JIAT construction in various regions as part of a strategy to address potential droughts and maintain national food production through reliable and sustainable water infrastructure.