Nana Rukmana, The Jakarta Post, Cirebon
At least 10,000 hectares of rice fields in West Java's Cirebon regency are at risk of being flooded during the rainy season, an official says.
The fields are located in 11 districts: Arjawinangun, Susukan, Gegesik, Kapetakan, Panguragan, Suranenggala, Gunung Jati, Ciwaringin, Gebang, Pabedilan and Sumber.
Cirebon Agriculture, Plantation and Livestock Agency head Ali Effendi said five of the 11 districts -- Kapetakan, Suranenggala, Gunung Jati, Arjawinangun and Susukan -- were at particular risk of floods.
According to Ali, besides being located in low-lying areas, irrigation channels in the area have been damaged, disrupting the entire irrigation network.
""Water from upstream areas will overflow and submerge the rice fields, severely affecting the environment, including catchment areas. The rivers are also badly silted up so they are unable to hold water well,"" Ali said Tuesday.
He urged farmers to move their planting schedule forward, saying this might make the rice plants strong enough to withstand expected floods in January and February.
""Many farmers are waiting to start planting rice in January and February when there is enough rainfall. I'm afraid the new plants will not be strong enough to weather the floods.""
Despite the threat of floods, Ali expressed optimism Cirebon's rice production would equal or surpass past seasons.
Rice production is expected to reach 265,000 tons, or 15 percent more than last year's production of 223,040 tons.
Cirebon regency is a major rice producer in West Java, along with Indramayu, Karawang, Subang and Majalengka.
""Despite the risk of floods during the rainy season, we are optimistic rice production levels will be safe, maintaining Cirebon regency's position as one of the main rice production centers in West Java. We will make every effort to prevent floods from affecting rice production,"" said Ali.
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