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Agriculture Ministry Targets Agricultural Self-Sufficiency for Gorontalo
WINDONESIA June 6, 2024
Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman (sixth from the left) while surveying rice paddies in Gorontalo on May 30, 2024.
Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman is striving to increase the rice planting cycles in Gorontalo Province up to three times a year.
"With the help of agricultural machinery, we aim to boost production. I believe Gorontalo can achieve self-sufficiency and supply neighboring provinces," the minister stated in Jakarta on May 30, 2024.
Once water sources are found, the Ministry is prepared to supply the necessary water pumps to enhance regional agricultural productivity. Sulaiman called on local officials to survey rivers with sufficient water to irrigate dry rice fields effectively.
"I have requested the agricultural office to find rivers with ample water flow to direct it to agricultural fields. We have around 90,000 pumps ready for distribution," he explained.
He also urged farmers in Gorontalo to maintain the government-provided water pumps to support increased productivity and achieve three planting cycles annually.
"Pumps are a quick solution during prolonged droughts. If there are areas with available water but no pumps, we will supply as many pumps as needed. But all equipment must be well-maintained," Sulaiman emphasized.
The increased production in Gorontalo should motivate other regions to enhance the nation’s food security. Agriculture is vital for economic growth and farmer welfare.
"With pumps, the planting index can increase from 1 to 3. If this succeeds nationwide, it will significantly improve farmers' welfare and triple their income," he said.
Sulaiman is optimistic that the pump installation efforts in Gorontalo will strengthen self-sufficiency and establish Indonesia as a global food hub. This approach is aimed to ensure that domestic production will meet the country's food needs.
Bone Bolango Regency has 2,015 hectares of agricultural land, with 1,931 hectares (ha) planted and harvested. Farmers there use the Jakaring and Pertiwi 3 corn varieties, with productivity reaching six tons per ha.
Source: www.antaranews.com
