Jakarta (ANTARA) - Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman stated that the implementation of various flagship programs, such as swamp area optimization, planting area expansion, and mechanization, is aimed at boosting agricultural productivity.
"These programs have been proven to be effective in increasing land productivity and farming efficiency, resulting in an increase in harvest and national rice availability," Sulaiman said here on Sunday.
He explained that the government's irrigation pumping program plays a crucial role in increasing agricultural productivity.
Through this program, the ministry provides farmers with access to water pumps, which helps to overcome irrigation limitations in rain-fed lands and drought-hit regions.
With the pumping system, farmers can irrigate their land more effectively, increase the crop planting index, and extend the planting period throughout the year.
This, of course, contributes to the achievement of national food security.
Minister Sulaiman expressed optimism that food self-sufficiency could soon be achieved with the full support of President Prabowo Subianto.
"We are confident that with President Prabowo's support and the appropriate policies, Indonesia can achieve food self-sufficiency as soon as possible and eventually stop rice imports," he added.
Minister Sulaiman highlighted the positive impact of the increase in rice production on the national economy, particularly in maintaining stable rice prices in the domestic market and improving the welfare of farmers across Indonesia.
According to Statistics Indonesia (BPS), national rice production in the January-March 2025 period is estimated to reach 8.67 million tons, a significant increase of 52.32 percent compared to the same period in 2024, which recorded 5.69 million tons.
This increase aligned with the expansion of the potential rice harvest area, which is estimated to reach 2.83 million hectares, a 52.08 percent increase from the 1.86 million hectares recorded in January-March 2024.
