OIKN-IPB Collaboration Yields 20-Hectare Upland Rice Harvest in Nusantara
Nusantara (ANTARA) - A collaboration between the Nusantara Capital Authority (OIKN) and Bogor Agricultural Institute (IPB), involving local farmer groups directly, has successfully yielded a 20-hectare upland rice harvest in the Nusantara area, specifically in Muara Jawa, Kutai Kartanegara Regency.
“Yesterday, Thursday (9/4), we held a harvest ceremony together with the farmers and relevant parties, as an expression of gratitude for the success of the farmer group in developing 20 hectares of upland rice as an initial trial phase for agricultural innovation development,” said OIKN Head Basuki Hadimuljono in Nusantara on Friday.
Based on the report he received, the production of the developed upland rice shows several advantages, including better quality in terms of taste—fluffier, more enjoyable, and savoury compared to other rice varieties.
Basuki also appreciated the steps and innovative spirit carried out by the farmer group together with various relevant parties in that agricultural development.
The joint upland rice harvest at the Conservation Agriculture Demonstration Plot of the Mekar Jaya Farmer Group in Muara Jawa, Basuki continued, marks the initial step in developing an innovative agricultural sector in the Nusantara area.
In the trial phase, the IPB 9G variety was developed on 5 hectares of land, while local varieties were planted on 15 hectares, totalling 20 hectares in that demonstration plot.
Meanwhile, OIKN Deputy for Environment and Natural Resources Myrna Asnawati Safitri conveyed the results of the harvest activity as part of the evaluation of agricultural demonstration plot development in Muara Jawa Ulu Village, Muara Jawa Subdistrict, moving forward.
“We have completed the harvest of the last crop from the joint trial results at the Muara Jawa Demonstration Plot. The Field Agricultural Extension Officer (PPL) has already reported on the harvest results. Alhamdulillah, it has met our previous expectations,” she said.
Myrna also emphasised that the upland rice harvest results are part of the agricultural innovation that has been tested over the last four months, developed through collaboration with IPB.