PALMOILMAGAZINE, MUKOMUKO – The Government of Mukomuko Regency is intensifying efforts to prevent the conversion of paddy fields into oil palm plantations by accelerating irrigation improvements and strengthening farmer guidance programs. The initiative forms part of the region’s broader strategy to safeguard local food security.
Head of the Agriculture Office, Hari Mastaman, said the administration is currently prioritizing farmer outreach while pushing for faster rehabilitation of irrigation infrastructure.
“At this stage, what we can consistently do is continue farmer development programs and encourage irrigation improvements,” he stated.
According to him, adequate irrigation infrastructure is the primary factor in curbing land conversion. In recent years, limited water supply in several rice-growing areas has reduced productivity, prompting some farmers to shift to oil palm cultivation, which is often perceived as more financially attractive.
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“If irrigation systems function properly and water needs are met, the risk of land conversion can be significantly reduced,” he added, as Palmoilmagazine.com quoted from Antara.
Seeking Central and Provincial Support
Facing budget constraints at the regional level, the regency government has submitted proposals to both central and provincial authorities for irrigation rehabilitation and supporting infrastructure development.
Hari noted that although budget efficiency measures were implemented at the regency level in 2025, funding under the Presidential Instruction (Inpres) program for irrigation infrastructure has created additional financing opportunities.
Through allocations from the Ministry of Public Works, channeled via the River Basin Agency (Balai Wilayah Sungai/BWS), a significant portion of irrigation development funding has been directed toward Mukomuko.
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“The irrigation infrastructure budget for 2025 is quite substantial. While technical implementation is handled by the public works agency, the activity locations are focused in Mukomuko Regency,” he explained.
3,400 Hectares of Paddy Fields at Stake
Currently, Mukomuko Regency has approximately 3,400 hectares of paddy fields, primarily located within the Air Manjuto and Selagan irrigation areas.
The local government hopes that strengthened irrigation systems and sustained farmer assistance will preserve these agricultural lands and maintain their contribution to regional food security, even as oil palm development continues to expand in surrounding areas.
For policymakers, the challenge is clear: improving infrastructure is not just about water management—it is a strategic move to balance plantation expansion with long-term food resilience. (P2)
