Merauke Regency in South Papua is now entering a new chapter in the agricultural sector. The government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, is massively implementing modern agricultural technology on par with standards in developed countries such as the United States and Japan. This strategic step is taken in an effort to strengthen sustainable national food self-sufficiency while simultaneously encouraging the economic independence of the local community.
Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman, during his visit to Waninggap Kai Village on Saturday (4/7/2026), emphasized the importance of mechanization as the primary key. Currently, young farmers in Merauke have become proficient in operating various cutting-edge devices, ranging from spraying drones and rice transplanters to combine harvesters. The mastery of this technology not only cuts down conventional methods but also ensures efficiency at every stage of production.
The tangible results of this technology application are evident in the increase of the cropping index (IP), which has now reached 2.0, or two harvests a year, surpassing the national average. Land productivity has also experienced a significant surge; whereas it previously produced only three tons of harvested dry grain per hectare, it can now reach four to seven tons. This increase in crop yields directly impacts farmers' welfare, with reports of income increases up to 300 percent.
Furthermore, this transformation is proof of the successful technology transfer to local youth. The government is committed to continuing to provide intensive assistance, covering the entire cultivation cycle from seeding to post-harvest management. With the support of the distributed facilities and infrastructure, the agricultural sector in Merauke is projected to become a main pillar of food estate development in the Land of Papua.
