JAKARTA - The development program of biosaline rice cultivation in the coastal area of Jepara Regency, which is an initiative from PT Perusahaan Gas Negara (Persero) Tbk/PGN, Subholding Gas Pertamina together with the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) and the Regional Government, has recorded positive achievements by exceeding the target harvest area in the midst of extreme weather conditions. From the initial target of 20 hectares, the harvest realization reached 22 hectares in this planting season.
This success reflects the resilience of the program in facing climate challenges as well as showing the potential of the biosaline approach as an adaptive solution for the agricultural sector in coastal areas that are often affected by seawater intrusion.
Based on this year's harvest results, the average productivity was recorded at 7-9 tons per hectare. Thus, the total production reached an average of around 176 tons of grain. In terms of economics, this achievement generates a value of around IDR 1.23 billion, assuming a grain price of IDR 7,000 per kilogram.
The head of BRIN, Prof. Dr. Arif Satria, SP., Msi., emphasized the importance of the application of research-based technology in the agricultural sector. He explained that the concept of cultivating rice varieties of biosaline was designed to answer the specific challenges faced by agricultural land in coastal areas that experience increased salinity due to the intrusion of seawater and tidal floods as well as climate change which often causes crop failure.
"The advantage of this Biosalin variety is that it can produce approximately 9 tons per hectare and has a cultivation period of 84 to 107 days. Not less important, this biosalin variety has the advantage of being resistant to pests and diseases and can survive in marginal land," said Arif, Friday, April 24.
Furthermore, he emphasized that the development of biosaline rice varieties is not only to encourage production but can also be interpreted as an approach to mitigation and post-disaster recovery steps.
"We encourage this model to be replicated in other coastal areas in Indonesia that face similar challenges. Thus, research-based innovation really becomes a driving force in maintaining national food security while improving farmers' welfare," said Arif.
The Regent of Jepara, Witiarso Utomo, considers this success as an important momentum for strengthening regional food security. According to him, the biosaline rice cultivation program not only helps maintain agricultural production, but also gives farmers confidence to continue to produce in the midst of climate uncertainty.
"The success of this harvest shows that with the right approach, the agricultural sector can still grow and provide economic value, even in the midst of extreme weather pressures," said Witiarso.
We are also very grateful to PGN and BRIN for presenting real innovation and assistance through the biosaline rice cultivation program in Jepara Regency. In the midst of extreme weather challenges and coastal land conditions that were previously fallow land, it can actually boost farmers' harvests. This collaboration is not only able to maintain agricultural productivity but also provides new hope for farmers.
"In the future, we hope that this initiative can continue to be expanded and become a model for strengthening regional food security based on research and strategic partnerships," said Witiarso.
PGN's Division Head of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Krisdyan Widagdo Adhi, emphasized that the company's involvement in this program is part of its commitment to creating sustainable social impact.
He explained that through the PGN CSR program, the company not only provides intensive assistance, but also encourages capacity building, as well as knowledge transfer so that farmers are able to independently adopt adaptive agricultural practices in the next planting season.
"This means that today's success is the foundation for farmers to continue to produce without relying on future program interventions," explained Krisdyan.
Furthermore, he added that this approach is in line with the company's commitment to the implementation of the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, especially in strengthening the economic resilience of communities in the operational area. The biosalin program, he said, not only provides added value in terms of production, but also creates a measurable economic impact for farmers and local ecosystems.
"We hope that this program can continue to develop as a model of empowerment based on research and collaboration, as well as being a real contribution from PGN in supporting national food security and sustainable development," concluded Krisdyan.
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