Tapin self-sufficient in rice, ready to support IKN

Acting Tapin Regent Syarifuddin plants tree seedling on World Water Day commemoration held by BWS Kalimantan III in Tapin, South Kalimantan, Monday (March 4, 2024). ANTARA/Muhammad Fauzi Fadilah

Rantau, S Kalimantan (ANTARA) - Tapin District, South Kalimantan, has reached self-sufficient in rice and ready to support food need for the new state capital of Nusantara (IKN) in East Kalimantan.

Acting Tapin Regent Syarifuddin said that the district is capable of producing 700,000 tons of rice per year, whereas the district's own needs are 400,000 tons per year.

"Thus (we are) able to support South Kalimantan needs and the central government program to fulfill food needs for IKN," he said in Rantau, Monday.

With its surplus rice production, Syarifuddin added, Tapin could supply food needs for neighboring province, such as Central Kalimantan.

Tapin is committed to supporting the development of IKN with the support of its rice supply.

Related news: BWS strengthens Tapin Dam's water resistance, anticipates drought due to El Nino

"Especillay in the future, with the support of the River Center (BWS) of Kalimantan III with the construction of Tapin Dam irrigation will increase the potential for agricultural land in Tapin," he said.

The River Center is building irrigation network in Tapin District which is connected to the Tapin Dam. This dam was one of the national strategic project inaugurated by President Joko Widodo in 2021.

Head of BWS Kalimantan III I Putu Eddy Purna Wijaya said that a joint commitment is needed to maintain water quality in Tapin, both for consumption and agriculture.

"Tapin self-sufficient in rice is an ideal thing for us to maintain the sustainability of water, it will provides benefits and peace for everyone," he said.

Previously, BWS Kalimantan III together with River-care Community of South and the local government have planted 500 tree seedlings in the surrpunding area of Tapin irrigation as an effort to create good and healthy environment to mark World Water Day with a theme "Water for Piece".

Read also: Tapin restocks 100,000 local fish in Barito River tributary for conservation

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