Government Aims to Introduce Water-Sufficient Paddy Irrigation Technique Nationwide
The Indonesian government is planning to introduce the water-sufficient paddy irrigation (IPHA) technique to all rice fields across the country, following a successful pilot project in Cirebon, West Java. According to Minister of Public Works Dody Hanggodo, the IPHA technique is a paddy cultivation method that emphasizes the management of crops, water, and soil to use water effectively and efficiently while increasing farmers’ productivity and revenue.
Benefits of IPHA Technique
The implementation of the IPHA technique has significantly boosted rice production with reduced water usage in the Rentang irrigation area in Cirebon. Hanggodo highlighted that the technique allows farmers to achieve maximum yields while conserving water. "We plan to implement IPHA across Indonesia because this technique allows farmers to achieve maximum yields while conserving water. I am convinced that we will succeed," he remarked while reviewing the irrigation area on Saturday.
The government plans to replicate the initiative on around 2,000 hectares of land in the Kamun irrigation area of Majalengka, West Java. Director General of Water Resources at the Ministry of Public Works, Bob Arthur Lombogia, emphasized that applying the IPHA technique offers various benefits, such as enabling rice farmers to reduce water usage by 30 per cent. He noted that the method also allows farmers to reserve water for other cultivation plots during the dry season.
Cost-Effective and Efficient
Lombogia added that the IPHA technique is cost-effective, requiring only 10 kilogrammes of seeds per hectare. The technique also offers a shorter harvest time and can increase rice production to 11 tonnes per hectare.
Farmer’s Testimony
Sunaryo, a local farmer, testified that adopting the IPHA technique over the past year significantly increased his yields. "The IPHA technique has ramped up my harvests from 8.4 tonnes per hectare to between 9.8 tonnes and 10.5 tonnes per hectare," he said.
Conclusion
The IPHA technique has proven to be a successful method for increasing rice production while conserving water. The government’s plan to implement the technique nationwide is expected to have a significant impact on the country’s rice production and water management.
FAQs
Q: What is the IPHA technique?
A: The IPHA technique is a paddy cultivation method that emphasizes the management of crops, water, and soil to use water effectively and efficiently while increasing farmers’ productivity and revenue.
Q: What are the benefits of the IPHA technique?
A: The IPHA technique offers various benefits, including reduced water usage, increased rice production, and cost-effectiveness.
Q: How does the IPHA technique reduce water usage?
A: The IPHA technique reduces water usage by 30 per cent, allowing farmers to reserve water for other cultivation plots during the dry season.
Q: Is the IPHA technique cost-effective?
A: Yes, the IPHA technique is cost-effective, requiring only 10 kilogrammes of seeds per hectare.
Q: How does the IPHA technique increase rice production?
A: The IPHA technique increases rice production to 11 tonnes per hectare, with a shorter harvest time.