Gorontalo Vice Governor Idah Syahidah Rusli Habibie, Head of the Center for Agricultural Extension and Human Resource Development (BPPSDMP) of the Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture Eko Nugroho Putro, and other stakeholders participated in the simultaneous rice planting event at the 10,000-hectare People’s Rice Field Development (CSR) site in Motolohu Selatan Village, Randangan District, Pohuwato Regency, Thursday (April 9, 2026). (Photo: Nova/Diskominfotik)
Pohuwato, Kominfotik – Gorontalo Vice Governor Idah Syahidah Rusli Habibie personally went down into the rice fields to join a simultaneous planting movement at the 10,000-hectare People’s Rice Field Development (CSR) site in Motolohu Selatan Village, Randangan District, Pohuwato Regency, on Thursday (April 9, 2026).
The People’s Rice Field Development (CSR) program is a central government initiative aimed at opening and optimizing new land to become productive rice paddies, as part of efforts to increase planting area and support national food security. In Pohuwato, this program is focused on utilizing idle land and swamps to transform them into productive agricultural areas.
Wearing rubber boots, the Vice Governor, along with government officials and representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, planted rice on land that was previously swamp and idle area. The action served as a symbol for the acceleration of the planting season and reflected the government’s commitment to promoting food self-sufficiency.
She also encouraged farmers to optimize the use of government assistance and urged agricultural extension workers to play an active role in supporting farmers in the field. Pohuwato Regency, specifically Randangan District, is recognized as one of the primary food granaries in Gorontalo Province.
Meanwhile, the Head of the Center for Agricultural Extension and Human Resource Development (BPPSDMP) of the Ministry of Agriculture, Eko Nugroho Putro, emphasized the importance of optimizing agricultural machinery and equipment (alsintan) to accelerate land cultivation and planting processes. He noted that while some land has already entered the cultivation phase, further acceleration is still required through the use of alsintan and continued supervision from local governments and extension workers.
Eko further explained that increasing agricultural production is being pursued through two primary strategies: intensification and extensification. Intensification is carried out through the use of superior seeds, irrigation improvements, and stronger water management. Extensification is achieved through land expansion, including the People’s Rice Field Development program, which is being actively promoted in various regions.
According to data, the infrastructure support provided by the Ministry of Agriculture to Pohuwato Regency includes 15 rotavators, 15 four-wheel tractors, 20 hand tractors, 15 drones, and approximately 50 sprayers.
The event was also attended by the Director of Agricultural Machinery Herwanto Uwente, Head of BBRMP Gorontalo Ardi Praptono, Pohuwato Regional Secretary Iskandar Datau, the Head of the Food Security and Horticulture Office, representatives from the 133/NWB Military Resort Command, as well as extension workers and local farmers. This simultaneous planting movement was held across 17 provinces, with the central event taking place in South Kalimantan Province.
Reporter: Echin
Translated by Fers
