“This technology enhances agricultural efficiency through modern methods. It not only reduces water consumption but also improves crop quality and yield,” Hanggodo said on Monday.
The initiative involves optimizing existing irrigation infrastructure managed by River Basin Centers across various regions.
According to Hanggodo, IPHA utilizes intermittent irrigation, which alternates between wet and dry cycles in rice fields. This method has been shown to save up to 30 percent of water and increase rice productivity by up to 169 percent compared to traditional irrigation techniques.
To support IPHA implementation, the ministry has also developed a digital water management system to help farmers and field officers schedule irrigation, monitor water discharge, and receive early warnings about potential droughts.
“This technology enables more accurate and efficient water management,” the minister added.
As part of its outreach efforts, the ministry will hold a demonstration plot harvest and technology exhibition on April 22 in the Rentang Irrigation Area (DI) in West Java.
Three of the 208 demonstration plots established in the region will be harvested during the event.
The Rentang Irrigation Area, which covers districts in Indramayu, Cirebon, and Majalengka, is one of Indonesia’s key rice-producing regions that has adopted IPHA technology.
As of April 17, 15 out of 208 plots in the area had been harvested, yielding between 6.5 and 16.9 tons of rice per hectare. The average yield reached 10.35 tons per hectare, significantly higher than traditional methods.
In addition to increasing rice productivity, Hanggodo said the success of IPHA demonstrates its potential to support national food self-sufficiency.
“With consistent yields above 6 tons per hectare, this technology offers a sustainable solution for Indonesian agriculture,” he noted.
The ministry plans to continue collaborating with local governments, farmer groups, and other stakeholders to ensure successful national adoption of IPHA.
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Translator: Aji Cakti, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Anton Santoso
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