Minister Of Public Works Intensifies IPHA Method To Achieve Food Swasembada Targets

Minister of Public Works (PU) Dody Hanggodo. (Photo: Doc. Ministry of Public Works)

JAKARTA - Minister of Public Works (PU) Dody Hanggodo seeks to accelerate the achievement of food self-sufficiency targets in various ways, one of which is by using the technique of Irrigation of Padimat Air (IPHA).

Dody said this technology is expected not only to increase the efficiency of water use in irrigation systems but also to have a direct impact on agricultural productivity and the welfare of farmers.

According to him, the IPHA method is very important as a solution in the agricultural sector.

He admitted that two weeks ago he visited the IPHA in the western region and saw the implementation on the east side to ensure its quality.

"With this technique, we can increase productivity by up to two tons per hectare," said Dody as quoted from his official statement, Monday, February 17.

IPHA, said Dody, is an innovation in rice cultivation that prioritizes proportional water, plant and soil management. In this way, the need for water can be suppressed without sacrificing the harvest.

In fact, he continued, IPHA is able to expand the planting area during the dry season, which is often a major obstacle for farmers.

This is believed to be the key in increasing farmers' income while strengthening national food security. "The success of this method requires collaboration between agencies," he said.

A local farmer named Kadirin expressed his appreciation for the IPHA method. According to him, this technique provides significant results.

"Padi grown with IPHA have more children than conventional methods. The plants are more fertile and the yield is much better," he said.

Kadirin said that the support from the government to implement this method is expected to be able to provide solutions to the challenges faced by farmers, especially in areas prone to drought.

"With IPHA, it is not only increased water efficiency, but also quality and quantity of harvest," he concluded.

The Ministry of Public Works continues to show its commitment to supporting innovations such as IPHA to strengthen the agricultural sector. This is in line with the big vision of Indonesia Gold 2045, where food security is one of the main pillars.