Pangkalan Balai, The Indonesia Post – The Governor of South Sumatra, H. Herman Deru (HD), accompanied by Special Staff of the Minister of Agriculture Prof. Herodian and Banyuasin Regent H. Askolani, attended the grand harvest of IP 200 rice in Maju Ria Village, Karang Agung Ilir District, Banyuasin Regency, on Friday (July 25, 2025).
Governor Herman Deru was warmly welcomed by farmers who had gathered at the harvest site. In his remarks, he expressed his highest appreciation to the farmers for their hard work, which has made Banyuasin the largest rice-producing area in South Sumatra.
“Banyuasin is the largest rice producer in South Sumatra and ranks fourth nationally, with 2024 production reaching 948,089 tons of dried harvested grain (GKG), followed by East OKU at 731,588 tons and OKI at 578,805 tons,” said Deru.
The Governor stressed the importance of discipline in farming practices to maintain and even increase yields, noting that this successful harvest was the result of the farmers’ persistence.
“The key is discipline. If discipline is properly applied, yields will certainly be maximized,” he emphasized.
Deru also highlighted the crucial role of Agricultural Extension Workers (PPL) in providing innovation and guidance to farmers to support national food self-sufficiency efforts.
During a dialogue session with farmers, Deru immediately instructed the relevant agencies to follow up on several pressing issues faced by Banyuasin farmers, including rat infestations, seawater barrier embankments, and other supporting infrastructure needs.
Meanwhile, Special Staff of the Minister of Agriculture, Prof. Herodian, revealed the government’s strategic plan to add 100,000 hectares of permanent rice fields in Banyuasin. He also stated that the Ministry would push Pertamina to open a special fuel station (SPBU) for agricultural machinery in Karang Agung Ilir District to facilitate farmers’ access to subsidized fuel. (mhn/ril)
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