With the availability of water, it is hoped that agricultural productivity can be increased in achieving food self-sufficiency.
The Governor inaugurated the Karangjati Reservoir located in the Blora District, accompanied by Blora Regent Arief Rohman, Blora Deputy Regent Sri Setyorini, Blora Forkopimda, and the Head of the Public Works and Spatial Planning Agency of Central Java Province.
In front of the Governor and Regent, Karyono, one of the farmers from the Sidodadi Nglawiyan Farmers Group, Karangjati, revealed that the obstacles faced by the farmers were related to irrigation water.
So they can only farm during planting season 1 (MT 1), while in planting season 2 (MT 2) the results are not optimal.
"We are very grateful for the assistance provided by Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi with this reservoir. The benefits of this reservoir are for the farmers in the Sidodadi Nglawiyan Karangjati Farmers Group, who only plant the first harvest each year. Sometimes the second harvest comes to fruition, and sometimes it doesn't, and many don't due to a lack of water," he explained.
With this reservoir, farmers really hope to be able to extend the planting season until MT 3. Not only can they plant rice, but they can also plant horticulture and even tobacco.
"Thank God, with this assistance, the farmer groups here will be able to plant until MT 3, the first MT 1 planting rice, the second planting season for rice, and thank God, maybe later with the reservoir there will be sufficient irrigation, so that the third is Corn Horticulture, and Tobacco farmers are also here," he explained.
Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi advised the community to properly care for and maintain the reservoir.
He also asked the relevant agencies to carry out reforestation by planting trees to make it more beautiful.
"First, the reservoir must be maintained. The village head will also frequently check here. Mr. Widi (Head of the Environment and Forestry Agency) will immediately find trees from the province from the forestry department and bring them here. Mr. Henggar will also contact the fisheries department to bring them here. Later, our agencies will come down, including banks, Bank Jateng, or others, to develop this area, especially its MSMEs," explained the Governor.
They also hope that the reservoir will irrigate up to 40 hectares of rice fields and extend the agricultural planting season, thereby boosting tourism and MSMEs for the local community.
"Hopefully it will be useful for the community," he added.
"I have built nearly 12 reservoirs worth nearly 43 billion rupiah in infrastructure across all regencies and cities. Therefore, I have asked Mr. Henggar to look for more reservoirs to increase food self-sufficiency, especially rice production," the Governor continued.
Meanwhile, the Head of the Central Java Public Works and Spatial Planning Agency, Henggar Budi Anggoro, revealed that the construction of the Karangjati Reservoir was based on community proposals, which could ultimately be completed in 2025.
"We can also explain the benefits of the Karangjati Reservoir development: it will provide raw water during the dry season for irrigation on approximately 40 hectares of land. It will also boost the activities of nearby MSMEs. Hopefully, this will also become a tourist destination, which will certainly be more profitable," he explained.
On the other hand, the Regent of Blora said that the Karangjati Reservoir had long been awaited by the people of Blora.
Also read: Blora City's Flood Control Infrastructure Relies on the Karangjati Reservoir
He hopes this reservoir can help strengthen food security in Blora, especially by ensuring water availability for agriculture.
He also expressed his gratitude for the Central Java Provincial Government's support for the agricultural sector in Blora. Furthermore, in 2026, Blora will receive provincial assistance for the construction of another reservoir. (Setyorini)
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