Already Capai Rp32.1 Billion, North Aceh Agricultural Sector Losses Due To Floods Can Still Increase

One of the rice fields in North Aceh was flooded. (Photo: Doc. Antara)

ACEH UTARA - The Agriculture and Food Service of North Aceh Regency estimates that the loss of the agricultural sector due to floods that hit the area since the last few days has reached Rp32.1 billion.

Head of the Agriculture and Food Service of North Aceh Regency, Erwandi, said that based on temporary data, the 2,848 hectares of agricultural areas were hit by floods spread over 12 sub-districts.

"The area of agricultural land affected by the flood reaches 2,848 hectares, spread over 12 sub-districts. The total loss is estimated at Rp32.1 billion," Erwandi said, quoted by Antara, Sunday, October 9.

Erwandi said the loss could likely increase because the officers were still collecting data in the field. Moreover, the flooding in North Aceh Regency has spread.

The flooded agricultural land is for rice nurseries with an area of 395 hectares. Losses are estimated at Rp197.5 million and rice farming fields covering an area of 2,413 hectares with an estimated loss of Rp31.6 billion.

Furthermore, for the land of the red chili plant covering an area of 10 hectares with a loss of Rp. 150 million and a soybean plant area of 30 hectares with a loss of Rp. 150 million.

"We cannot confirm the total amount of rice is damaged or experiencing puso due to flooding. Moreover, the flood is still ongoing," said Erwandi.

According to Erwandi, the potential for crop failure or puso can certainly occur because the puddles have submerged for more than three days. This is because rice stalks will tend to be damaged and rot for more than three days.

Erwandi said the age of rice in the flooded rice fields varied because rice planting in North Aceh Regency was not simultaneous. Namely with the age of plants ranging from 10 to 110 days.

"The flow of rice varies, starting from planting to entering the harvest season. Officers in the field continue to try to update data on losses due to flooding," said Erwandi.