Kotabaru accelerates rice planting by 1,000 hectares

The Kotabaru Agriculture Agency begins to accelerate planting in order to boost rice production in the district. (Antaranewskalsel.com/HO/ohi)

We hope with the Okmar planting acceleration, farmers can plant three times a year,

Kotabaru, S Kalimantan (ANTARA) - The Kotabaru Agriculture Agency has begun accelerating rice planting within the area of 1,000 hectares, in order to increase rice productivity in the region.

Head of Food Crops, Horticulture, and Animal Husbandry (TPHP) H Hairuddin said the acceleration of planting is targeted for October-March period (Okmar). In normal condition the planting season is between December-January.

"We hope with the Okmar planting acceleration, farmers can plant three times a year," he said.

Besides accelerating the growing season, the production of dried husked rice (GKG) will also increase than usual.

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In the Okmar period, the production of harvested dry unhulled rice (GKP) is projected to reach 4 to 5 tons per hectare. Within a planted area of 1,000 hecktarea it is expected to produce 4,000 to 5,000 tons.

With three planting times a year, continued Hairuddin, there will be an increase in rice production, to support food security inKotabaru.

"Moreover, we are now experiencing COVID-19 pandemic, so we need more food reserve," he said.