Indonesia to develop 3 million more hectares of rice fields

The Indonesian government is working to implement a program to develop 3 million hectares of new rice fields to strengthen the country's food resilience amid global challenges and increasing population demands, national news agency Antara reported.

"This program is part of our strategic steps to address the threats of a global food crisis and maintain stability in the national agriculture sector," Antara quoted Indonesian Deputy Minister of Agriculture Sudaryono as saying.

He noted that the national need for food is expected to rise with Indonesia’s population growth, projected to reach 330 million by 2050. Meanwhile, agricultural land area has been decreasing due to widespread land conversion into industrial and residential zones.

"For this reason, creating new rice fields is a crucial solution to expand the area dedicated to producing rice, the nation's staple food," he explained.

Sudaryono stated that the program, prioritized by President Prabowo Subianto, is driven by both global dynamics and domestic needs.

It would be complemented by the use of high-quality seed varieties, modern irrigation systems, and mechanised agricultural practices, he said. The program is expected to create job opportunities in the agricultural sector and stimulate economic growth in rural areas.

In addition to strengthening food resilience, creating new rice fields also aims to improve farmer welfare and reduce poverty rates in rural regions, he added.