"This concept was developed with a number of feasible planting method options, such as drip irrigation, Dutch bucket, and hydroponic technique with NFT (Nutrient Film Technique) system," the ministry's Horticulture Director General, Prihasto Setyanto, noted in a written statement received in Padang, West Sumatra, on Tuesday.
To support the XVI Indonesian Farmers and Fishers National Week (Penas Tani), the Agriculture Ministry showcases the smart greenhouse technology in a pilot area of 384 square meters.
Implementation of the smart greenhouse technology aims at enabling farmers to cultivate various commodities regardless of the local climatic conditions by applying indoor micro climate modification.
According to Setyanto, several commodities, such as vegetables and melons, can be cultivated in the smart greenhouse area.
One melon can weigh up to 1.5 kilograms, so an 800 square-meter land can produce around four tons of melons, he stated.
"Moreover, extreme weather conditions will no longer pose a threat to plants. In addition, the smart green house will also help farmers produce vegetables and fruits without using pesticides," Setyanto noted.
He revealed that the ministry had allocated a budget of some Rp7 billion (US$471 thousand) for implementing the technology. The government expects the technology to become one of the future technologies that will pave the way for Indonesia's local food producers to become more independent.
"With the smart greenhouse technology, we can plant at any time, as we are no longer dependent on the season," he affirmed.
The XVI Penas Tani is taking place on June 10-15, 2023, with the main events being held at the Sutan Sjahrir Airfield in Padang City, West Sumatra.
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Translator: Muhammad Zulfikar, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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