New farming system get mixed results

JAKARTA (JP): Local agricultural research agencies have found they got mixed productivity results when using the conservation tillage technology system on rice farms in four provinces.

The president of herbicides manufacturer PT Monagro Kimia, Hans Biljmer, said yesterday the system had increased rice production by between 1.5 percent and 18.5 percent in North and South Sumatra, and West Java but reduced production in Lampung.

The system, which helps reduce staff levels and soil damage, involves the use of herbicides.

The research shows that in the West Java village of Sukamandi the system helped increase rice production 1.5 percent to 6.6 tons a hectare and in Kerasan, North Sumatra, 18.5 percent to 8.3 tons a hectare.

But rice production in the Lampung villages of Taman Bogo and Trimurjo decreased from 6.8 tons a hectare to 5.8 tons a hectare and from 5.7 tons a hectare to 5.4 tons a hectare respectively after the implementation of the system.

But Biljmer said yesterday the system could help increase rice production by up to 200 percent a year if it was applied better. "The system can increase harvests up to three times a year from the current average of 1.4 times," he said.

When asked about the government's warning against the use of herbicides, Biljmer said his company produced safe products and that the government had approved his product's formula.

"But herbicides can be hazardous if they are not applied properly," he said.

The Director General of Food Crops and Horticulture, Amrin Kahal, said the government has appealed farmers to take special precautions if using herbicides.

Farmers should use them at the right time and with the right equipment, method and dose, he said.

There are about 40 million farmers in Indonesia and many are reluctant to wear protection like gloves, masks and boots because of the heat, Biljmer said. (10)