Tabalong with Kodim 1008 opens 300 hectares paddy field

Tanjung, South Kalimantan (AntaranewsKalsel) - The Tabalong District administration in South Kalimantan is working together with District Military Command (Kodim)  1008/Tanjung to open a new 300-hectare rice field in Hapalah and Bangkiling village, Banua Lawas Sub-district, as an effort to increase local rice production and farmers' income.

Head of Agricultural Facility and Infrastructures of local Agriculture Agency Sarjono in Tanjung on Saturday said the works were started today in the two villages.

"In the village of Hapalah 110 hectares and 190 hectares in Bangkiling Village by involving the ranks of Kodim 1008/Tanjung," said Sarjono.

In the previous year, the local government has realized the paddy field expansion program covering 422.5 hectares in the South region with the assistance of provincial military command Korem 101/Antasari and Kodim 1008/Tanjung.

The new paddy fields spread in Jirak Village 230 hectare, Tamunti Village 150.5 hectare, Banua Rantau Village 42 hectares and Masintan Village 50 hectares

Meanwhile, the area of paddy field in `Bumi Saraba Kawa` (nickname of Tabalong) reaches 15,511 hectares spread in 12 sub-districts with the plan of rice planting area including the intercropping system with rubber.

Through new paddy fields in this area, it is expected that rice production can reach 16,000 tons of dry husked rice (GKG) or 4.5 tons per hectare.

Furthermore, the increase in rice production is also done by optimizing a number of lebak (lowland with puddle) land in this area.

"The area of lebak currently reaches 5,352 hectares and is prone to flood because it can not be utilized optimally," explained Section Head of Paddy Sudarsih.

According to Sudarsih there are four sub-districts in Tabalong Regency where the lebak land potential is high, namely Banua Lawas, Kelua, Muara Harus and Pugaan.