Failed Harvest Threatens Thousands Hectares Agriculture Land

Balangan, South Kalimantan (AntaranewsKalsel) - Thousands of hectares of farmland in Balangan, South Kalimantan, is threatened to fail due to the floods that inundated four sub-districts since Thursday (26/1).

According to the data of Balangan Agriculture Agency on planting period of 16 to 30 January 2016, approximately 1,339.92 hectares of agricultural and horticultural land are in danger of failing or damaged by water immersion.

Head of Agriculture Agency Tuhalus said officers are still collecting data in the field. If inundation still going on to three days ahead, then certainly there will be a failed harvest.

"Currently water inundation still ups and downs. It is estimated that the citizens' rice crop can still be saved and can grow well. Furthermore, if it is receding, then we will do the harvesting process more quickly," he said in Paringin, Monday.

Meanwhile, in anticipation of crop failures or puso, Agriculture Agency will order paddy and horticulture seed faster than usual. According to schedule, rice seed order will be in April.

Agricultural land submerged as a result of overflowing Batang River, namely Halong Sub-district covers an area of 255.92 hectares, Juai Sub-district with an area of 1,083 hectares. While land inundated in Lampihong and Paringin have not been recorded.

Then for horticultural crops are submerged in Juai is big chili farming on two hectares, and in the Paringin one hectare tomato garden.