IRRI participates in public hearing in South Kalimantan and introduces Rice Crop Manager Layanan Konsultasi Padi

(BANJAR BARU, Indonesia, 12 September 2024) The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) participated in the public hearing held by Balai Penerapan Standar Instrumen Pertanian (BPSIP) South Kalimantan on September 12, 2024, at the BPSIP South Kalimantan office. Representatives from local government institutions, partners, and farmer groups attended the event, which was organized to gather insights from key stakeholders on agricultural services provided by BPSIP South Kalimantan.

IRRI representatives were there for partner discussions with BPSIP South Kalimantan on the Layanan Konsultasi Padi (LKP) demo plots and Nutrient Omission Plot Technique (NOPT) trials in Swampy Rice Agroecological zones under the RCM Indonesia Project. LKP is the Indonesian version of Rice Crop Manager (RCM), a digital tool developed by IRRI that provides field-specific nutrient and crop management recommendations adapted from Site-Specific Nutrient Management (SSNM) principles. LKP recommendations are based on previously obtained yields, field conditions, and the farmer’s current management practices.

During the discussion, a question was raised by the Head of the Department of Agriculture of Barito Kuala Regency regarding the availability of location-specific fertilizer recommendations at the sub-district level and their potential use in determining fertilizer quotas for the sub-district level. BPSIP South Kalimantan addressed the question by introducing an ongoing collaboration with IRRI to conduct research and provide accurate fertilizer recommendations for swampy agroecosystems through LKP and NOPT trials. This collaboration builds on the success of existing fertilizer management systems for irrigated agroecosystems, now being adapted for swampy agroecosystems.

IRRI Indonesia Liaison Scientist explains ongoing collaboration during the discussion

“IRRI and BSIP have been working together for many years. Swampy agroecosystem is highly complex and requires effective water management. IRRI is working with BSIP to develop fertilizer recommendations that benefit farmers and are environmentally sustainable,” explained IRRI Indonesia Liaison Scientist, Prof. Dr. Ir. Hasil Sembiring, M.Sc. “These recommendations are available to farmers through the LKP website, which can be accessed through mobile phones. While LKP was initially designed for irrigated agroecosystems, it is now being enhanced to cater to swampy agroecosystems.” 

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 the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

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