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The Indonesian government has announced plans to develop 500,000 hectares of new rice fields to boost food security and support the future capital city, Nusantara. The initiative comes as part of a broader strategy to prepare for potential food shortages, exacerbated by climate challenges like El Niño.
The project will be spread across several provinces, with South Sumatra identified as a key region for development. Already, 68,000 hectares of swamp land have been converted into productive rice fields.
According to Agriculture Minister Syahrul Yasin Limpo, the government plans to equip these new areas with advanced farming technologies, including superior seeds and modern fertilizers, to maximize yields. If the fields can support two harvests per year, they could produce up to 3 million tons of rice, a significant boost to national food production.
This expansion aims to ensure a stable food supply for Nusantara, the new capital under construction on the island of Borneo, and to bolster the country’s overall food security. However, concerns have been raised over the environmental impact of the project.
Previous large-scale agricultural efforts, such as the cassava program in Gunung Mas, led to deforestation and disappointing yields due to insufficient planning. Environmental advocates warn that a similar fate could befall this initiative if sustainability is not prioritized.
Despite these challenges, the government remains optimistic. South Sumatra, known for its fertile lands, has already seen promising results. Local officials have reported an increase in rice production in 2023, with the province expected to continue contributing significantly to national food supplies.
This new agricultural push reflects Indonesia’s commitment to food self-sufficiency as the country braces for the challenges of climate change. By expanding rice fields and leveraging modern technology, the government aims to protect the nation’s food supply and ensure the stability of Nusantara as it transitions to its role as the country’s new capital.