BANYUASIN, The Indonesia Post – The Covid-19 pandemic, which is still happening, apparently has not discouraged farmers in South Sumatra from remaining productive. This is inseparable from the role of South Sumatra Governor H Herman Deru, who continues to encourage agricultural progress in South Sumatra.
As on Saturday (3/10), for example, even though he had to cross the water and continue using a two-wheeled vehicle, Herman Deru was willing to attend Tebing Abang Village, Rantau Bayur District, Banyuasin Regency to do the First Harvest of Rawa Lebak Rice Paddy with the farmers.
He also did this, as a form of appreciation to the farmers in Banyuasin who have succeeded in utilizing unused land in the form of lebak into new rice fields which are believed to be able to encourage increased food production as well as support for food security in South Sumatra.
“Therefore, do not make farmers the last choice of profession. This agriculture is the spirit of South Sumatra. This must be maintained, especially since our ancestors are farmers. This agriculture can certainly improve people’s welfare,” said HD.
According to HD, the agricultural sector is one of the potentials that must be maintained and continuously developed. That’s why in the near future he will assign 1000 Field Agricultural Extension officers (PPL) to guide farmers.
“We have prepared 1000 PPL to provide education to farmers. So in one village there will be one PPL. We want these farmers to become entrepreneurs in their own land,” he said.
Moreover, he continued, nationally, Banyuasin Regency has occupied the fourth position as a food storage area. Therefore, he hopes that the food crop sector can become an economic effort that will raise the welfare of the community
“This agriculture has a direct impact on the lives of our people. This agriculture must continue to be improved because it can significantly reduce poverty levels,” he explained.
HD’s serious efforts and commitment seem to be the eye of the central government. Where some time ago, the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo, emphasized that he would expand the food storage area. South Sumatra is also predicted to be the area designated as the national food barn.
On the other hand, based on the data collected, Banyuasin Regency has 192,684 hectares of rice fields and 174,381 hectares of which are recorded in LBS (ATR / BPN). Meanwhile, Rantau Bayur District has 17,974 hectares of paddy fields and 12,596 hectares of rice fields recorded in 2019 LBS, with details of 12,178 hectares of tidal rice fields 2 hectares and 417 hectares of rainfed rice fields.
Apart from doing the harvest together with the community, Herman Deru also provided a number of assistance for the progress of the farmers in Banyuasin Regency including 2 units of 6 inch water pumps and 195.2 tonnes of inbred rice seeds for 7,808 hectares of rice fields.
“This assistance is given to encourage farmers to be more enthusiastic so that agricultural development in Banyuasin increases,” he added.
Whereas in Tebing Abang Village, the land area is 1,500 hectares with an average harvest production of 5-6 tons per hectare.
Banyuasin Regent H Askolani Jasi said Banyuasin is one of the districts that has good natural potential. Where he claims, rice will thrive even without using fertilizers.
“The agricultural land here is still fertile even though it doesn’t use fertilizers. This is extraordinary,” he said.
In addition, he also appreciated Herman Deru’s attention to the farmers in Banyuasin Regency.
“The governor’s attention to the farmers here should be appreciated. He also did not hesitate to help increase agricultural development here. Therefore, we are grateful,” he concluded. (jekk/ril)
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