IRRI and BSIP Central Java advance rice farming through optimized nutrient and water management

• IRRI is supporting Indonesian efforts to broaden knowledge and usage of RCM
• The RCM web app helps rice farmers use the right amount of fertilizer and water
• This can contribute to better productivity and reduced GHG emissions

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(UNGARAN - BOYOLALI, Indonesia, 25 - 27 June) - IRRI and its key partner organization, BSIP (Indonesian Institute for Agricultural Instrument Standard Implementation) Central Java, are committed to contributing to the Indonesian government's goals for rural prosperity, food security, environmental sustainability, and climate mitigation and adaptation. As part of this commitment, IRRI and BSIP are working together on the Rice Crop Manager (RCM) Indonesia project to broaden its dissemination, enhance its algorithm, and showcase its results through field trials.

The Indonesian version of RCM, called Layanan Konsultasi Padi or LKP, is a digital tool that provides field-specific nutrient & crop management recommendations adapted from the Site-Specific Nutrient Management (SSNM) principles. LKP recommendations are based on previously obtained yields, field conditions, and the farmer’s current management practices. LKP aims to optimize farmer’s nutrient and water management to improve yields and reduce greenhouse gas emissions through SSNM and Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) practices.

Last week, IRRI and BSIP Central Java successfully conducted a socialization event for the Layanan Konsultasi Padi digital tool. This event brought together 80 extension workers from all districts in Central Java to enhance their knowledge and skills in utilizing LKP for improved rice farming practices. The event aimed to familiarize extension workers with the LKP tool, which when given field-specific data can provide recommendations to optimize rice yields and fertilizer application.

IRRI scientist delivers LKP socialization

The following day, representatives from IRRI, BSIP Central Java, as well as the Head of the Agriculture Agency of Boyolali, visited Keyongan village to monitor and harvest rice from the LKP and NOPT (Nutrient Omission Plot Technique) demoplots. This hands-on experience demonstrated the practical benefits of the LKP tool in real farming scenarios. On this occasion, Prof. Dr. Ir. Hasil Sembiring, M.Sc., IRRI Indonesia representative, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the farmer's group and the Head of the Agriculture Agency of Boyolali for their continuous support and commitment to the project by giving them a token of appreciation.

Giveaway of token of appreciation

Together, they monitored and harvested rice from the LKP and NOPT demoplot. Before harvesting, Prof. Dr. Ir. Hasil Sembiring, M.Sc., also mentioned the importance of LKP and NOPT demoplot. “By implementing the LKP and NOPT demoplots, we can demonstrate the significance of effective fertilizer and nutrient management. LKP demoplot allows farmers to observe the practices of applying the right type, correct dosage, and optimal timing of fertilizers. On the other hand, NOPT demoplot highlights the effects of nutrient deficiencies used as a treatment, with a note that the plots are well-maintained to produce accurate and reliable results.”

Remarks from IRRI Indonesia representative

Jarot Sutrisno, a cooperative farmer from Keyongan village, who implemented LKP and NOPT trials alongside farmer’s practice, shared his experience in using LKP. “In my experience in implementing the demoplot, I can say that LKP is very helpful for farmers because farmers can easily see the right example of using the right amount of fertilizer, right type of fertilizer, and right timing of fertilizer application. Usually, farmers use abundant fertilizer. Using LKP, farmers can use fertilizers more efficiently and the obtained yields are no less than the usual farmer’s practice. Additionally, using LKP is very easy, farmers only need to go to LKP website, answer some questions, and then farmers can get LKP recommendations suitable for their specific fields.”

The Rice Crop Manager Indonesia Project is being implemented by IRRI in collaboration with Indonesia’s Ministry of Agriculture - BSIP and other private entities, with funding support from South Korea’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

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