Indonesia's Ministry of Agriculture Modernizes Rice Fields

Indonesia’s Ministry of Agriculture is taking significant steps to enhance electricity access in rice field areas to facilitate energy supply for optimizing irrigation water pumping. The Director of Food Crops at the Ministry, Suwandi, emphasized the necessity of efficient energy for the modernization of agricultural tools and machinery, stating that it is time for electricity to reach rice fields.

Based on practical experiences, farmers have found electricity to be more cost-effective than fuel oil and gas for the cultivation process in rice fields. While solar energy remains underutilized among farmers, the Ministry is focusing on providing cheaper and more accessible energy sources for agricultural mechanization.

The 'Electricity Reaching Rice Fields' program, also known as 'Program to Move Electricity to Reach Rice Fields (Gelisah),' has been implemented successfully in regions like Ngawi District and Sragen District. In Ngawi District, over 17,000 submersible wells have been developed independently by farmers, enabling them to plant rice three times a year. Similarly, in Sragen District, more than 23,000 submersible wells have been established to increase cropping frequency to 3-4 times annually.

While the program aims to power essential agricultural activities like water pumps, land processing equipment, and pest trap lights, Suwandi emphasized the importance of not misusing the electricity for hazardous purposes.

The successful implementation of the 'Electricity Reaching Rice Fields' program showcases Indonesia’s commitment to modernizing its agricultural sector through improved energy access, ultimately benefiting farmers and enhancing productivity in rice cultivation.