Sukabumi Extension Workers Initiate Self-Funded PM-AAS Demonstration Plot to Boost Rice Production

Agricultural extension workers in Surade District, Sukabumi Regency, have initiated the application of the PM-AAS method through a self-funded rice demonstration plot. This activity represents a concrete effort to introduce cultivation technology to farmers while encouraging increased rice productivity in the region. The Coordinator of the Surade Agricultural Extension Centre (BPP), Rimawan, said that since the start of the implementation, many farmers have come to observe the cultivation process directly and are interested in learning the applied technology. All activity requirements, from seed provision, land preparation, and plant maintenance to harvesting, were carried out independently by the BPP as a form of commitment to accelerating the adoption of innovation at the farmer level. “Alhamdulillah, the farmers’ enthusiasm is very high. They want to see firsthand how the PM-AAS method is applied in the field so that it can hopefully be adopted more widely in the next planting season,” said Rimawan during the demonstration plot activity covering approximately 2,000 square metres using the Pajajaran rice variety on land owned by the Sukarama Farmers Group in Cipeundeuy Village, Surade District, on Thursday (9/7). According to Rimawan, the potential for developing the demonstration plot remains very large. In Cipeundeuy Village, there are still around 2 hectares of uncultivated land that could potentially become a location for expanding the application of the PM-AAS method. However, limited capital remains the main obstacle to developing this activity. “The land is actually still quite extensive, around 2 hectares are still empty. The main constraint at the moment is capital, so support from various parties is needed so that the application of this technology can be expanded,” he explained. The PM-AAS method is a rice cultivation approach that optimises plant and resource management efficiently. The application of the PM-AAS method is expected to increase productivity, reduce production costs, and boost farmers’ incomes. Through this demonstration plot, agricultural extension workers hope farmers can see the direct benefits of the technology before applying it on their own land. The self-funded initiative by the Surade BPP demonstrates the active role of agricultural extension workers as drivers of innovation in the field. Going forward, capital support and collaboration from various parties are expected to expand the application of the PM-AAS method so that more farmers can benefit from increased rice farming productivity. Meanwhile, the impact of drought due to the current dry season poses a threat to the agricultural sector, including in Sukabumi Regency, West Java, which is one of the food barn regions in West Java and even Indonesia. The current dry conditions are feared to have a significant impact as they are predicted to be extreme. The local government therefore sees the need to take anticipatory steps so that the impact does not greatly affect efforts to increase rice production in the region. Sukabumi Regent Asep Japar admitted that he has prepared various efforts to anticipate the impact of drought due to the dry season, especially on the agricultural sector, which has contributed significantly to the gross regional domestic product (GRDP). “One of the anticipatory efforts we are making is drilling boreholes to help the agricultural sector,” said Asjap during the opening of a training session on strengthening the role of P3A and GP3A Mitra Cai at Situ Sukarame, Parakansalak District, on Tuesday (7/7).