Padang Boosts Food Security Through Quality Fertiliser Distribution

The Padang City Government in West Sumatra is continuing to strengthen regional food security by increasing support for agricultural production facilities. One crucial step being taken is ensuring the availability and distribution of quality fertiliser for farmers to restore soil fertility while boosting harvest productivity. Through the Agriculture Department, the Padang city government is now focusing on fulfilling the need for fertiliser in adequate quantities and of high quality. This effort is being made so that all agricultural commodities in the region receive optimal nutrition. The strategy is not only directed at increasing harvest yields in the short term but also at maintaining soil health sustainably as the main foundation for long-term food security. Secretary of the Padang City Agriculture Department, Ansoriudin, explained that the scheme being implemented combines high-quality chemical fertiliser with organic fertiliser. This combination is considered effective for maintaining nutrient balance while improving soil structure. ‘We are implementing a blend of super chemical fertiliser and organic fertiliser. For the chemical fertiliser, we are using NPK Mutiara, which is one of the best NPK fertilisers and is ready to be distributed for agricultural needs in Padang City,’ Ansoriudin said on Thursday. According to Ansoriudin, using chemical fertiliser alone is not enough to maintain long-term land productivity. Therefore, the addition of organic fertiliser is an important factor in increasing soil microorganism activity and maintaining the looseness of agricultural land. To ensure effectiveness in the field, the Padang City Agriculture Department has prepared a distribution scheme and dosage regulations so that fertiliser distribution is right on target. For NPK Mutiara fertiliser, the total allocation prepared reaches around 1.6 tonnes with a dosage of 25 kilogrammes per hectare. Meanwhile, manure as a support is allocated at 1.2 tonnes per hectare per year. The department is optimistic that the combination of quality fertiliser with the right dosage will have a direct impact on increasing agricultural productivity in this planting season. Furthermore, the increase in harvest yields is expected to have a multiplier effect on the regional economy, especially in increasing the income and welfare of local farmers. This strengthening of the agricultural sector is also a crucial part of the city government’s efforts to maintain food supply stability, suppress potential price fluctuations, and strengthen regional food independence amidst the challenges of climate change and global economic dynamics.