nIndonesia’s Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Bima Arya Sugiarto, has called on regional governments to prioritize teh normalization of irrigation channels as a critical step toward achieving national food self-sufficiency. During an inspection of irrigation facilities in Pematang Lalang Village, Percut Sei Tuan Sub-district, Deli Serdang District, North Sumatra, Sugiarto emphasized the importance of maintaining and improving irrigation systems to support agricultural productivity.
The inspection, conducted on Monday, revealed that the local River Basin Management authority (BBWS) has already initiated irrigation normalization activities this year. A dedicated budget has been allocated for these efforts, ensuring that primary, secondary, and tertiary irrigation canals remain operational. sugiarto stressed that village heads must actively monitor these activities to ensure their effectiveness.“This has been done to help farmers carry out three harvests a year, which is also part of efforts to support the realization of national food self-sufficiency,” Sugiarto stated. He further highlighted the need for regional governments to act swiftly, using heavy equipment to remove sediment and maintain the efficiency of irrigation systems.The deputy minister also urged all regional heads, including governors, district heads, and mayors, to fully support irrigation advancement initiatives.He emphasized the importance of collaboration between ministries and agencies, calling for joint efforts to monitor field conditions and ensure seamless coordination.
“In the upstream, regional governments should monitor the (food) production process, while in the downstream, they should monitor the distribution process or prices,” Sugiarto explained.This holistic approach aims to strengthen Indonesia’s agricultural sector and enhance its capacity to achieve food security.
The government’s focus on irrigation normalization aligns with broader efforts to support food self-sufficiency, as seen in initiatives like the Indonesian Government’s assistance to young Papuans in building food sufficiency and Minister Sulaiman’s call for village heads to support food security missions.
| Key Points | Details |
|—————-|————-|
| objective | Achieve national food self-sufficiency through improved irrigation systems. |
| Focus Area | Normalization of primary, secondary, and tertiary irrigation canals. |
| Budget | Allocated for irrigation normalization activities. |
| Monitoring | Village heads to oversee irrigation activities and ensure effectiveness. |
| Collaboration | Regional heads and ministries to work jointly for seamless coordination. |
By prioritizing irrigation improvements, Indonesia aims to bolster its agricultural output, ensuring a stable food supply for its population. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to addressing food security challenges and fostering enduring agricultural practices.
Headline: Enhancing Food Security: A Conversation with Dr. Rosaлем Putri, Agricultural Infrastructure Expert, on Indonesia’s Irrigation Initiative
Introduction:
As Indonesia’s government takes strides towards accelerating national food self-sufficiency, the importance of efficient irrigation systems cannot be overstated. In this interview, Senior Editor, Mr.James Lee, sits down with Dr. Rosalehem Putri, a renowned expert in agricultural infrastructure, to discuss the meaning of Deputy Minister Bima Arya Sugiarto’s call to prioritize irrigation normalization and the broader implications for Indonesia’s food security.
James Lee (JL): Dr. Putri, thank you for joining us today. To start, could you briefly explain the importance of irrigation normalization in achieving food self-sufficiency for our audience?
Dr. Rosalehem Putri (RRP): Thank you for having me,James. Irrigation normalization is a critical step towards food self-sufficiency because it ensures a reliable water supply for crops,maximizing agricultural productivity. With improved and well-maintained irrigation canals, farmers can increase their harvests, potentially growing three crops a year instead of two, as Deputy Minister Sugiarto highlighted.
JL: Indonesia has a vast network of irrigation canals. How will focusing on primary, secondary, and tertiary canals specifically contribute to this initiative?
RRP: Prioritizing these primary, secondary, and tertiary canals is strategic because they form the backbone of the irrigation system. Primary canals transport water from rivers to the head of the secondary canals, secondary canals then distribute this water to primary distributor canals, and tertiary canals carry water to individual farm plots. Ensuring all three types are functional and well-maintained will maximize water delivery efficiency, reducing wastage and ensuring that every farmer benefits.
JL: Deputy Minister Sugiarto emphasized the importance of regional governments acting swiftly and using heavy equipment for maintenance. given the pace of sediment buildup in some regions, do you think this emphasis is warranted?
RRP: Absolutely. Sediment buildup in irrigation canals can severely reduce their capacity and efficiency, leading to water scarcity for farmers. Regular and diligent maintenance using heavy equipment is vital to keep these canals clean and operational. Emphasizing swift action is essential to prevent sediment buildup from becoming an insurmountable obstacle to irrigation efficiency.
JL: Collaboration between regional governments, ministries, and village heads was also underscored. How can this cooperation help overcome challenges in improving irrigation systems and ensuring food security?
RRP: Collaboration is key to tackle the complex challenges facing indonesia’s irrigation systems. Village heads can provide grassroots insights into local needs and problems, while regional governments can allocate resources and coordinate efforts. Ministries, in turn, can offer technical expertise and policy support. With seamless coordination and shared responsibility, all stakeholders can work together to maintain and improve irrigation systems, ultimately bolstering food security.
JL: the indonesian government has been implementing various initiatives to support food self-sufficiency. How does this focus on irrigation normalization fit into the broader picture?
RRP: This initiative fits perfectly into the broader picture of Indonesia’s efforts to achieve food self-sufficiency. Since irrigation is the lifeline of agriculture, improving and normalizing irrigation systems will significantly boost agricultural productivity. Combining this with other efforts, such as supporting young farmers and encouraging modern farming practices, creates a comprehensive approach to enhancing Indonesia’s food security.
