This program is a crucial part of efforts to maintain production stability while accelerating the recovery of the national agricultural sector.
The simultaneous planting movement is being implemented extensively in 25 provinces, with a target of covering approximately 50,000 hectares.
This activity involves tens of thousands of participants, from farmers, extension workers, to local governments, who are working together to ensure the accelerated planting season runs optimally in various regions.
Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman emphasized that the accelerated simultaneous planting is a concrete step by the government to maintain the sustainability of national food production.
According to him, this movement not only focuses on increasing planted area but also forms part of the strategy to restore agricultural land, especially that affected by disasters.
“This simultaneous planting movement is a concrete manifestation of the government’s commitment to ensuring sustained food production. We aim to complete the entire planting process within one month to ensure uninterrupted production cycles and ensure the community’s food needs are met,” said Amran.
He also appreciated the active involvement of all parties, from the governor, regent, extension workers, to farmers in the field.
“This synergy is key. Food security cannot be built alone, but through coordinated and sustainable collaboration,” he added.
The Head of the Agricultural Extension and Human Resources Development Agency, Idha Widi Arsanti, explained that the planting area encompasses various strategic programs such as land optimization, creating smallholder rice fields, and rehabilitating disaster-affected land.
“This movement covers approximately 50,000 hectares spread across various regions. This is a strategic step to ensure that ready land can be planted immediately, so that production is maintained and increased,” she explained.
Arsanti emphasized the important role of extension workers and farmers as the spearheads of the program’s success. “Extension workers and farmers ensure that every stage runs on time. With intensive monitoring, we are optimistic that productivity can continue to increase,” he emphasized.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Agriculture is also encouraging the use of modern agricultural technology such as rice transplanters and drones to improve planting efficiency and address labor shortages. This modernization is believed to accelerate the planting process and significantly increase production yields.
Meanwhile, the Secretary General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Suwandi, stated that accelerating planting is also an anticipatory measure for the peak of the dry season, which is predicted to occur in August 2026.
“Accelerating planting at the end of the rainy season is an important strategy so that plants can optimally utilize available water. We are also strengthening pumping, mapping drought-prone areas, and building water infrastructure such as reservoirs and drilled wells,” he said.
Furthermore, the government is encouraging the use of drought-resistant seed varieties and the implementation of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) to maintain productivity amidst climate challenges. The formation of drought brigades at the field level is also being carried out to ensure a rapid response to potential production disruptions.