PEPI Students Convert Fuel-Powered Water Pumps to Gas
Students from the Indonesian Agricultural Engineering Polytechnic (PEPI) undertaking a field placement in Bati-Bati District, Tanah Laut Regency, South Kalimantan, have introduced an innovation modifying fuel-powered water pumps to run on gas. The technology was demonstrated on Wednesday (24/6/2026) to members of the Food Brigade and local farmers, offering a more economical and efficient alternative to support agricultural cultivation, particularly in irrigation management.
Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman emphasised that agricultural mechanisation is a key pillar in building modern farming and achieving sustainable food self-sufficiency. He noted that technological advancements not only boost productivity but also attract younger generations to the agricultural sector. “In the past, young people were reluctant to go to the fields, but now many are becoming farmers, able to make phone calls while driving a tractor. If the youth are engaged, we are optimistic that Indonesia can become a global food barn,” Amran stated on Thursday.
Echoing this sentiment, Idha Widi Arsanti, Head of the Agency for Agricultural Extension and Human Resources Development, encouraged young people to continue producing innovations that support national agricultural development. She stressed the need for new strategies and persistent action on the ground to meet targets for expanding planting areas and keeping the agricultural landscape productive.
As part of this innovation drive, PEPI assigned six students to a field placement programme in areas mentored by the Food Brigade under the guidance of the Binuang Agricultural Training Centre. The students were encouraged to develop practical innovations that directly benefit local farmers and the Brigade. The demonstration was well received, providing participants with new insights into applying appropriate technology to improve farming efficiency.
Andi Amal Hayat Makmur, Head of the Binuang Agricultural Training Centre, praised the students’ creativity and initiative in delivering solutions tailored to farmers’ needs. He expressed hope that the students would leave behind useful innovations and valuable experiences for the Food Brigade and local farmers upon completing their placement. He also urged the students to maintain professionalism and uphold the reputation of the Human Resources Agency and PEPI during their community engagement. The conversion of irrigation pumps serves as a practical example of appropriate technology closely aligned with farmers’ requirements. If further developed, such approaches could strengthen agricultural modernisation, accelerate farmer regeneration, and support national food self-sufficiency efforts.