Anticipating El Nino, Kotabaru farmers sucessfully harvest rice

Kotabaru, South Kalimantan (ANTARA) - By anticipating the impact of El Nino, farmers in Salino Village, Pulau Laut Tengah Sub-district, Kotabru District, South Kalimantan, have sucessfully harvested rice covering 15 hectares rice fields.

“Alhamdulillah (praise be to Allah), I am so proud that in the midst of dry season farmers are still able to harvest," said Kotabaru Regent Sayed Jafar here, Wednesday.

He said the impact of El Nino has had a big impact on the agricultural system in the Kotabaru area, but the regional government through the Office of Food Security and Agriculture continues to strive for maximum utilization and management of agriculture, especially rice.

According to him, in Kotabaru District there are already examples of rice producers who successfully harvest twice in one year.

"Alhamdulillah (Thank God), we already have rice centers developed by farmer groups in Pembelacanan Village, Brangas Village, and Salino Village," he said.

Head of the Kotabaru Food Security and Agriculture Office Saperiani said that the district will maximize the potential of rice field in Pulau Laut Tengah Sub-district.

"During the dry season, farmers are able to harvest approximately 5 tonnes per hectare," he said.

The area of rice field in Pulau laut Tengah is 125 hectare, and so far this year 50 hectares have been worked out.

"In 2024 there will be a program according to the regent's direction to implement 100 hectare pilot project in five sub-districts," he said.

There will stimulants to be distributed in the pilot program of rice field so that farmers or farmers group will maximize the cultivation of the land they own.

The Kotabaru Food Security and Agriculture Office will also provide assistance to farmers so they really able to implement the program.

Saperiani hopes all parties to support it in order to realize Kotabaru to be self-sufficient in rice.