To increase agricultural output and efficiency, Dody Hanggodo, Indonesia's Minister of Public Works, has directed all regional centers to adopt water-saving rice irrigation (IPHA) technology.“This technology enhances agricultural efficiency through modern methods. It not only reduces water consumption but also improves crop quality and yield,” Hanggodo said on Monday.

The project aims to maximize the irrigation infrastructure with the advanced technology that is currently in place and is overseen by River Basin Centers in different areas.Hanggodo claims that IPHA uses intermittent irrigation, which causes rice fields to oscillate between wet and dry cycles. Compared to conventional irrigation methods, this approach has been demonstrated to boost rice output by up to 169 percent and save up to 30 percent of water.

The ministry has also created a digital water management system to assist farmers and field officials with scheduling irrigation, accessible manner tracking water discharge, and receiving early warnings of impending droughts in order to boost IPHA implementation. “This technology enables more accurate and efficient water management,” the minister added.

“With consistent yields above 6 tons per hectare, this technology offers a sustainable solution for Indonesian agriculture,” he noted.The ministry plans to continue collaborating with local governments, farmer groups, and other stakeholders to ensure successful national adoption of IPHA.