The old paradigm requiring paddy fields to remain constantly flooded is now being abandoned by modern farmers. For decades, the belief that abundant water guarantees the fertility of rice crops was deeply ingrained. However, climate change challenges triggering prolonged droughts are forcing the agricultural sector to adapt to smarter, more efficient water management methods.
One breakthrough currently implemented in the AAS Model Modern Agriculture (PM-AAS) program is the Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) system, or intermittent irrigation. Unlike traditional techniques, this method regulates the field flooding cycle periodically. Fields are flooded to a height of five centimeters, then allowed to recede up to 15 centimeters below the soil surface before being irrigated again.
This method offers double advantages for farmers. Besides reducing water consumption by up to 30 percent, the natural soil drying phase actually increases the oxygen supply to rice roots. This triggers deeper and stronger root growth, making the plant stems sturdier in absorbing nutrients from the soil. In addition, this system is proven effective in minimizing greenhouse gas emissions from paddy fields.
Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman emphasized that water efficiency is a decisive variable in maintaining national food production stability. According to him, precise irrigation planning is crucial to mitigating future drought risks. Food sovereignty is better preserved when farmers can sustainably maximize available resources.
To monitor water conditions in the field, farmers can use simple technology in the form of perforated PVC pipes embedded in the soil. This device serves as an indicator to measure water depth, enabling farmers to know precisely when to irrigate again. With the application of this technology, the agricultural sector is expected to withstand global climate challenges without compromising crop yields.
