Banjarmasin, S Kalimantan (Antaranews Kalsel) - The Provincial Government of South Kalimantan maximizes the potential for swampy lowland (lahan lebak) farming to increase rice production and strengthen regional food security.
Governor H Sahbirin Noor in Banjarmasin on Friday said the utilization of swampy lowland that originally was neglected in several regions in South Kalimantan is very important to continue.
One of which lowland in Sungai Batang Village, Banjar District, will be developed to maintain the status of South Kalimantan as one of the national rice granaries (or locally called kindai limpuar).
"Banjar is one of the food granaries in South Kalimantan, so it needs serious efforts from all parties to continue to explore its potential in encouraging the agricultural sector," he said.
The governor also said he has been trying to strengthen economic growth to switch from non-renewable natural resources to renewable natural resources, among others by developing the agricultural sector.
"It is time for South Kalimantan to shift its dependence on non-renewable resources into renewables. The aim is to create sustainable community welfare," he said.
The governor revealed that the agricultural sector is an opportunity to improve welfare as well as a key component in building sustainable food sovereignty.
Nevertheless, the governor said, he was informed by farmers that the irrigation system that distributed water to the rice fields was still a complaint for farmers.
"I hope, all parties concerned, overcome these problems. If the dry season arrives, the water is very difficult, so the yield of rice production is not optimal," he said.
Banjar Regent H Khalilulrahman said the use of idle land in his area would have an impact on increasing rice production and the welfare of farmers.
S Kalimantan govt maximizes swamp farming
Minggu, 16 September 2018 6:22 WIB
I hope, all parties concerned, overcome these problems. If the dry season arrives, the water is very difficult, so the yield of rice production is not optimal,