Currently, 35,000 hectares have been planted, with the remaining 5,000 hectares being prepared for cultivation.

“This program aims to increase the Planting Index (IP) to 300 and enhance food crop productivity,” he added. The initiative is part of a broader effort to modernize agriculture in the region.

The next strategic step involves a phased approach to develop 1 million hectares of rice fields in Merauke. This will begin with a demonstration plot of 20 hectares in the Food Production Center area of Wanam District.

“This plot serves as a demonstration for farmers in Wanam to improve their productivity,” Minister Amran explained. This hands-on approach is designed to showcase effective farming techniques.

He emphasized that modernizing agriculture in Merauke is crucial for achieving food self-sufficiency. “Large-scale agriculture requires machinery like tractors, rice transplanters, water pumps, and combine harvesters,” he said.

As a tangible step, the government has provided significant agricultural equipment. This includes 65 two-wheel tractors, 113 four-wheel tractors, 76 rice transplanters, 638 water pumps, 20 combine harvesters, and 90 hand sprayers, all distributed to 214 food brigades.

“Food self-sufficiency not only aims to increase production but also to enhance farmers’ welfare and create new job opportunities for the people of Papua,” Minister Amran concluded, reinforcing the government’s commitment to agricultural development in the region. (Uki Ruknuddin)