The Indonesian Minister of Agriculture, Andi Amran Sulaiman, expressed his confidence in West Kalimantan’s potential to become a leading food exporter in the country.
This was conveyed during his visit to Singaraya Village on Thursday, November 21, 2024, as part of efforts to optimize agricultural land in the region.
“I’ve directly observed the agricultural land development in West Kalimantan. With the optimization of 240,000 hectares of rice fields for three harvest cycles and 300,000 hectares of upland rice fields, we can achieve a significant rice surplus. If managed optimally, West Kalimantan can realize its dream of becoming a food exporter by 2025,” Andi stated in Pontianak, as reported by Antara.
Andi highlighted that the current productivity of rice fields reaches 5 tons per hectare per harvest.
This allows West Kalimantan to produce up to 3.6 million tons of unhusked rice annually from three planting cycles. Additionally, the upland rice fields, targeted to yield 3 tons per hectare, can contribute an extra 900,000 tons.
If this potential is fully realized, West Kalimantan could not only meet domestic rice demands but also compete in international markets.
Strategic Land Optimization Initiatives
Acting Governor of West Kalimantan, Harisson, who accompanied the Minister during the visit, emphasized the importance of land optimization and the establishment of new rice fields as strategic steps to enhance national food production.
“Through this program, we aim to maximize existing land, boost productivity, and open new agricultural areas. This aligns with the central government’s vision of making Indonesia self-sufficient and sovereign in food,” Harisson explained, as quoted by Suarakalbar.
Harisson also noted that West Kalimantan ranks second in land optimization efforts nationally.
“From the target of optimizing 39,153 hectares in West Kalimantan, the program has expanded planting areas (PAT), increasing the cropping index. Based on the Ministry of Agriculture’s report, as per the decree dated November 18, 2024, West Kalimantan ranked second nationwide with an achievement of 112,396 hectares or 105.67% of the 106,362-hectare target,” he concluded.
West Kalimantan as a Rice Granary and Exporter
In a press conference, Andi emphasized that West Kalimantan is targeted to become a national food granary and an exporter of rice to neighboring countries like Malaysia. This aligns with efforts to achieve food self-sufficiency and land optimization while improving the welfare of its people.
“If this program succeeds, we can contribute to exports to neighboring countries, particularly Malaysia. Hopefully, this condition can be sustained in the future. All of this is under the coordination of the Governor, who has done an extraordinary job. He may be quiet, but he gets things done,” Andi stated.
He also highlighted that Malaysia, as a neighboring country, requires rice imports of 3-4 million tons annually, which West Kalimantan could help fulfill.
“With teamwork and good coordination, nothing is impossible. West Kalimantan has all the resources needed to become a global food power, which will benefit its people and serve as a model for Indonesia’s food security and export program in the future,” Andi concluded.
Collaborative Efforts for National Food Security
Acting Governor Harisson reiterated the importance of adaptive strategies for developing export-oriented food hubs.
“Developing cross-border food hubs for export requires an agenda that accommodates the dynamics of agricultural development. These include improving agricultural infrastructure, increasing food crop productivity, enhancing the value and competitiveness of agricultural commodities, building farmer capacity, and strengthening farmer institutions,” Harisson explained, as quoted by KalbarOnline.
Harisson called on all government levels and stakeholders to work together to ensure the program’s effectiveness and meet its targets.
President Prabowo Subianto’s vision for major progress in the agricultural sector also supports this initiative.
“We don’t want this to be just talk. We must act quickly and accurately so that Indonesians can continue enjoying affordable and accessible food,” Harisson stated, as reported by KalbarOnline.
To support farmers, Harrison said the government has also streamlined the process for fertilizer distribution.
“Farmers only need their ID cards to get fertilizer. No one should complicate this process. This policy is signed by the Minister of Agriculture and will be held accountable,” Harisson emphasized.
Sources: suarakalbar.co.id, antaranews.com, kalbaronline.com
Image source: RRI.co.id
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