West Papua BRMP develops maize seeds to expand planting to 200 hectares
The West Papua Agricultural Modernisation Application Agency (BRMP) is developing maize seed breeding in Manokwari Regency, which is projected to produce approximately six tonnes of seeds to meet the planting requirements for up to 200 hectares of land.
During a visit to the breeding site in Macuan Village, Manokwari, on Saturday, the Head of BRMP West Papua, Abdul Syukur Syarif, stated that independent maize seed development is a strategic step to strengthen food security and reduce dependence on supplies from outside the region. “This pilot plot of approximately one hectare is projected to produce six tonnes of maize seeds, which can be used to develop around 200 hectares of land,” he said.
The inspection was conducted alongside the Deputy Chief of West Papua Regional Police, Brigadier General Sulastiana, and BRMP officials to observe the progress of the seed breeding and the construction site of a maize dryer, which will serve as a post-harvest support facility. According to Abdul Syukur, the presence of the dryer will help maintain seed quality and increase productivity, supporting a more modern and sustainable seeding system. “The dryer machine is very helpful in maintaining seed quality,” he added.
The BRMP field team has also evaluated crop conditions affected by fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) attacks, although the development in the pilot plot is considered to be progressing well and showing positive growth. During the visit, the Head of BRMP West Papua also introduced the ‘single replanting’ method, which involves replanting before the harvest period ends to increase land-use efficiency and accelerate the production cycle.
Deputy Chief of West Papua Police, Brigadier General Sulastiana, emphasised that all planning must be data-driven, covering potential land area, the number of farmer groups, and seed requirements for each district, ensuring that the maize commodity development programme is measurable and sustainable. The police force continues to support government efforts to strengthen national food security by increasing agricultural productivity and regional seed independence, noting the need for collaboration between technical agencies and local farmer groups. “We hope that all efforts made can establish Manokwari as one of the centres for seed development and maize production in West Papua,” said Sulastiana.
During the visit, BRMP West Papua also provided guidance to farmers regarding fertilisation techniques to increase maize productivity, including the use of urea and Phonska fertiliser blends tailored to the plants’ needs.