Global Rice News

Climate Change Impacts Rice Harvests in Indonesia, Highlighting Need for Adaptation

Indonesia, a country highly dependent on rice, is experiencing the negative effects of climate change on its rice harvests. The nation consumes 35.6 million tonnes of rice annually, averaging 124 kg per person per year. However, late-starting wet seasons and unpredictable weather patterns are posing challenges for farmers.

In recent years, farmers have struggled to sow their crops due to delayed wet seasons. They have attempted to plant their crops up to five times, resulting in increased labor, seed, and fertilizer costs. The lack of a clear pattern in rainy and non-rainy days further exacerbates the situation.

In 2023, a prolonged dry season caused by El Niño led to a decrease in rice production. The small number of rainy days made it difficult for farmers to start farming land preparation and crop planting. As a result, rice harvest failure became more common, posing a risk to national food security.

Data from the Central Bureau of Statistics in 2023 revealed that El Niño had a significant impact on national food production stability. Rice production during January to September 2023 reached 45.33 million tons, a decrease of 0.11 million tons compared to the previous year. The harvested area also decreased by 0.03 million hectares.

To mitigate the effects of the prolonged drought, the Indonesian government announced plans to import 1 million tonnes of rice from India in late 2023 to ensure an adequate supply.

It is evident that Indonesia’s agricultural sector needs to adopt climate adaptation strategies to enhance climate resilience and prepare for the worst impacts of climate change. Currently, climate change is primarily seen as an environmental issue, and environmental agencies bear the responsibility for addressing it. However, a wider range of agencies and departments should incorporate climate change issues into their programs at various governmental levels.

Tapping into Farmers’ Knowledge for Adaptation Strategies

Farmers possess valuable knowledge, local wisdom, and skills that can contribute to climate adaptation strategies. By incorporating the collective knowledge of agricultural communities, Indonesia can develop adaptive patterns to guarantee food security without neglecting natural resource sustainability.

Assisting and communicating with farmers pose a challenge due to their dispersed presence across the country. However, leveraging information and communication technology for agriculture and rural areas can provide farmers with easier access to information and innovations regarding food production, prices, marketing, and government programs.

Cultural Strategies and Food Diversification

Alongside efforts to increase food production, Indonesia can consider cultural and behavioral changes to reduce food waste and encourage food diversification. For example, implementing school gardens like those in Japan could promote food production education among children. Encouraging the tradition of home gardens can contribute to food diversification, as they have ecological and sociocultural values and allow the exchange and sharing of various products.

Indonesia has a rich cultural heritage in food production and consumption, and rural communities have extensive experience cultivating local food crops. Embracing new technologies and traditional practices will be vital in meeting the challenges of climate change and ensuring a sustainable future for Indonesian agriculture.

Source: The Diplomat