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Farmers association introduces new paddy seeds to jack up productivity
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Farmers carry harvested rice that they will mill at a milling factory in Ngawi, East Java. (Antara/Ari Bowo Sucipto)
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ew paddy seeds -- M70D and M400 -- invented by the Indonesian Farmers Association (HKTI) are said to improve the cultivation process of rice, in turn improving farmers' welfare.
The M70D is able to produce harvest in 70 days, shorter than the normal period of 95 days, with 7 tons per hectare per harvest, while M400 has a normal planting period of 90 days but produces 9.6 tons per hectare of rice.
“With M70D, farmers can experience shorter planting times, hence the cheaper production costs and more frequent harvest -- at least three to four times a year,” said newly elected HKTI chairman Moeldoko, who is also a former national military (TNI) chief.
(Read also: Indonesia's rice self-sufficiency to be achieved by 2020)
To date, he said, 1,000 hectares of paddy fields in Java and Kalimantan have been planting with the seeds.
Paddy cultivation is managed by seed producer PP Kerja in Boyolali, Central Java.
The association also develops organic fertilizers and recruits agriculture graduates for its team.
The HKTI represents about 60 million farmers across the country, working in various agriculture sectors. Its funds come from donations, such as from politicians from the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR). (bbn)
