President asks South Kalimantan to increase unhulled rice production threefold

South Kalimantan Regional Secretary Muhammad Syarifuddin (middle) rides agricultural machinery during the simultaneous harvest activity across 14 provinces in Panca Karya Village, Barito Kuala, Monday (April 7, 2025). (ANTARA/HO-Dokumen Pribadi)

Barito Kuala, S Kalimantan (ANTARA) - Ministry of Agriculture said that Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto has asked South Kalimantan to increase unhulled rice production to threefold from previous one million to three million tons per year.

“That's why Agriculture Minister is happy with working visit to South Kalimantan to optimize food self-sufficiency program. He even asked the budget for rice field printing and land optimization (oplah) to be increased,” said the Agriculture Ministry's acting Director General of Land and Irrigation Husnain after the simultaneous harvest activity across 14 provinces, one of which in Panca Karya Village, Barito Kuala District, South Kalimantan, Monday (April 7, 2025).

He disclosed that efforts to increase unhulled rice production in South Kalimantan are increasingly visible. Two priority districts in this area, Barito Kuala and Tanah Laut, could previously harvest only once a year.

Related news: South Kalimantan has a rice production potential of 5 mln tons: minister

“Now they can harvest at least twice a year, and currently being intensified to a maximum three harvests, so that food self-sufficiency could be realized soon,” he pointed out.

In 2025, the total area for land optimization in South Kalimantan is planned about 17,382 hectares, and 30,000 hectares for rice field printing. Both programs are implemented in 13 districts and cities, but the focus is on two potential areas, Barito Kuala (the largest rice field) and Tanah Laut.

Thus, Husnain said, this program is an important part in optimizing unhulled rice production in South Kalimantan from the previous target of one million to three million tons a year.

Husnain attended the simultaneous harvest activity in Barito Kuala. Meanwhile, President Prabowo Subianto led the harvest activity from Majalengka, West Java.

President Prabowo expressed optimism that Indonesia could become the "world's food barn" during a discussion with several governors participating in the simultaneous harvest activity across 14 provinces.