Heaptalk, Jakarta — Ministry of Agriculture is developing several superior rice varieties, spanning MSP 65, Inpari 48, and Mantap on 47 hectares of land in Ciasem Girang Village, Sukamandi District, Subang Regency, West Java. This land is a food demonstration land owned by PT Sang Hyang Seri.
These three varieties are classified as super rice as of their respective superior characteristics, one of which is MSP 65 which can be harvested in a short time of 65 days after planting. The Ministry will process the official release of MSP 65 in the near future. Meanwhile, Inpari 48 and Mantap have been distributed to the community.
“I hope that in the future these (varieties) can be planted by fellow farmers and can be an alternative during the dry season like now,” said Acting Minister of Agriculture Arief Prasetyo Adi.
Apart from anticipating the dry season, the Ministry of Agriculture is targeting an increase in national food production from 31 million tonnes to 35 million tonnes of rice equivalent this year. To achieve this target, Arief emphasized the need for cooperation with all parties, both ministries and other related institutions, including academics.
Achieving food security with superior rice
In essence, superior rice plays a strategic role in achieving the Indonesian Food Security Index. This index measures the achievements of food security development in regions, assesses regional performance in fulfilling central and regional government affairs, and helps determine program intervention priorities.
Further, the Food Security Index will determine whether or not food security conditions are met for the country and its citizens, including aspects of food availability, safety, nutrition, as well as price and location affordability. The availability of rice as the main food ingredient, primarily rice, greatly influences national food security.
At this stage, superior rice plays a key role. This rice is a variety that has gone through genetic breeding to increase yields, resistance to pests and diseases, as well as adaptation to certain environmental conditions. Superior rice is a rice variety that has been released by the government through a Decree from the Minister of Agriculture. (Translated by Sinta)
