Jakarta (ANTARA) – The Indonesian government is accelerating a 750-hectare rice planting program in Lamongan, East Java, to strengthen national rice production while anticipating the impact of El Niño.

“This program is an effort to strengthen national rice production and maintain the momentum of increasing planted areas in one of Indonesia’s main food-producing regions,” Deputy Agriculture Minister Sudaryono said in a statement on Monday.

Sudaryono, accompanied by National Development Planning Minister Rachmat Pambudy, reviewed the planting program in Kebalankulon Village. The delegation also observed the planting of Inpari 32 rice on a 12-hectare plot that forms part of the district’s 750-hectare planting target before joining the planting activity.

Sudaryono said higher food production can only be achieved by expanding planting areas. He added that the government continues to ensure farmers have access to irrigation water, seeds, fertilizers, and agricultural machinery.

“The principle of agriculture is simple. If we want bigger harvests, we must plant more. That is why the government is ensuring that all production inputs are available so farmers can expand planting areas and improve productivity,” he said.

According to Sudaryono, Lamongan plays an important role in supporting national food production targets as one of East Java’s most productive agricultural districts. Agricultural indicators in the region have also shown positive trends in productivity, harvested area, and output.

Besides boosting production, the Agriculture Ministry is strengthening measures to anticipate the effects of El Niño, which is expected to peak in August.

Sudaryono said national food reserves remain sufficient to meet public needs. Based on current projections, El Niño is expected to have its strongest impact between July and September, with conditions peaking in August. However, the government has prepared mitigation measures to keep agricultural production stable.

The ministry continues to strengthen water infrastructure through irrigation rehabilitation, construction and repair of water facilities, groundwater drilling, and pumping programs in major food-producing areas.

Since 2024, the ministry has distributed nearly 100,000 water pumps across Indonesia as part of efforts to maintain agricultural productivity amid drought and climate-related challenges.

During the visit, Sudaryono, Rachmat Pambudy, and Lamongan District Head Yuhronur Efendi also symbolically handed over agricultural assistance to local farmers, including rice seeds, corn seeds, hand tractors, and rotavators.

Translator: Muhammad Harianto, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Anton Santoso
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Published Date: June 2, 2026