Regent Arief Encourages Organic Farming Development in Blora Regency
Blora Regent Arief Rohman stated that Blora Regency is the sixth-largest rice producer in Central Java, making it one of Indonesia’s key food barns.
Arief made the remarks at the Nahdliyyin Farmers’ Congress held at Al-Itqon Islamic Boarding School in Tlogosari Wetan Village, Pedurungan District, Semarang City, Central Java, on Monday (10/8). He presented on organic farming under the Agricultural Development Institute (LPP) of the Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board (PBNU), together with LPP NU and the Nahdliyin farmer network.
“Milled dry grain production in Blora Regency in 2025 reached 530,818 tonnes, an increase of 106,407 tonnes or 25.07 per cent compared to 2024, which stood at 424,411 tonnes. The production increase was supported by rising productivity to 50.98 quintals per hectare, up 0.96 quintals per hectare (1.92 per cent) compared to 2024,” Arief said.
“In line with the increase in grain production, rice production in Blora Regency in 2025 also experienced a significant rise to approximately 305,252 tonnes. That figure is up 61,190 tonnes or 25.07 per cent compared to rice production in 2024, which reached around 244,062 tonnes,” he continued.
Arief said organic farming is a future solution that not only safeguards consumer health but also improves soil quality and reduces dependence on hazardous chemicals.
The Regent also urged every village to set aside at least one hectare of village-owned land as a trial site for organic farming.
“If one village can provide one hectare, then with 295 villages and sub-districts in Blora, there could be 295 hectares of organic farmland,” Arief said.
He specifically expressed a vision for Blora to become one of the organic farming centres in Central Java. That vision is being realised, among other ways, through collaboration with the Blora branch of Nahdlatul Ulama (PCNU).
The Blora Regency Government is currently exploring cooperation with state-owned enterprises such as Pertamina to support farmer mentoring and development.
“We want NU, particularly LPPNU, to continue mobilising the spirit of organic farmers in every village. Blora must become a model regency in organic farming,” the Regent said.
Arief explained that organic farming is a collective effort to protect the soil, improve farmer welfare, and provide healthy food for the community.
“Going forward, we hope NU cadres as assisted farmers can become an important part of driving organic farming in Blora Regency. Not only as beneficiaries, but also as pioneers, movers, and role models for the community in implementing environmentally friendly and sustainable agriculture,” he said.
Rais Syuriyah of PWNU Central Java, KH Ubaidullah Shodaqoh, said the Nahdliyyin Farmers’ Congress forum was born out of shared concern over the condition of farmers, particularly NU members who have long depended on agriculture for their livelihoods.
According to him, the forum is intended as a space for Nahdliyin farmers to gather, voice their aspirations, and fight for their interests independently.
“This activity reflects the concerns of all of us in Central Java and beyond. This farmers’ congress is a Central Java initiative, not meant to signal opposition or rivalry. It is a forum for NU farmers who are sovereign and independent,” he concluded.