Kotabaru DPRD encourages use of idle land

Kotabaru, South Kalimantan (ANTARA) - The Legilative Council (DPRD) of Kotabaru, South Kalimantan, encouraged the Food Security and Agriculture Office (DKPP) to utilize unmanaged or idle land into productive to support food security program.

DPRD Deputy Chairman M. Arif extended the hope when reading the final report notes on the discussion process of the 2025-2045 Regional Long Term Development Plan (RPJMD) draft bylaws (Raperda).

"The program have been planned should be followed up to maximize the food security program in Kotabaru," he said di Kotabaru, Tueday.

He noted that many rice fields producing program have now become idle land left uncultivated by the community.

"All because of problems with pest control, irrigation, and guidance from the local government who still lack support for farmers," he said.

He also extended the notes about the problems faced by oil palm farmers. They experienced sales price far from the normal price.

Head of DKPP Saperiani expounded that in 2024 the the Kotabaru District Government through his office has carried out Intensification Quality Improvement (Paddy Rice Agrobusiness) covering 100 hectares.

The activity was conducted in five villages in five sub-districts, and especially for corn agrobusiness covering 20 hectares was carried out in two villages.

One of them was carried out by Berkat Usaha Mandiri farmers group in Berangas Village, Pulau Laut Timur Sub-district, covering an area of 20 hectares.

"We also provided assistance to the groups in the form of superior rice seeds along with other supporting facilities, namely 11 types of fertilizer and medicine," he said.

Saperiani hopes that by using superior seed and appropriate and balanced fertilizer and medicine, production, productivity and quality of agricultural products can be increased.