Indonesia launches rice planting drive across 14 provinces

Three thousand hectares targeted nationwide

Indonesia's agriculture ministry agency BPPSDMP is launching a simultaneous rice planting movement covering three thousand hectares across fourteen provinces to accelerate planting during the two thousand twenty-six rainy season.

Kuningan chosen as central hub

BPPSDMP Head Idha Widi Arsanti said the activity is centered in Kuningan District, West Java, because the area features optimized land, newly developed rice fields, and an established Food Brigade unit supporting accelerated planting.

National target far from reached

The national additional planting area target is around two million hectares, but realization remains below ten percent, necessitating accelerated planting as the rainy season begins and water becomes available.

Staggering harvests to stabilize prices

Beyond accelerating planting, the movement aims to space out harvest times to ensure even rice production throughout the year.

“We are avoiding situations where a peak harvest occurs, which would push prices down, or a lean season, which would push prices up.”

Adjusting methods to local terrain

Implementation must adjust to regional landscapes and agroecosystems. Arsanti noted that operating agricultural machinery is easier on flat, open terrain than in hilly or sloping areas like parts of Kuningan.

Drought risk anticipated with weather data

BPPSDMP previously anticipated potential drought by analyzing data from the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency and coordinating with stakeholders to prepare for weather challenges during the planting season.