There are expected to be even more rice fields on the paradise island soon. Bali's authorities are seriously concerned about the threat to food security; the province's governor, Wayan Koster, plans to transform vast expanses of unproductive, dry land into full-fledged rice fields. The goal is to create 6000 hectares of new agricultural land.
This decision was made in response to a sad situation highlighted by the Minister for Agriculture and Land Affairs, Nusron Wahid: over the past five years, the island has lost about 4000 hectares of rice fields due to development.
"The food balance in Bali is currently still in surplus. However, this surplus is diminishing. If this continues, Bali will face food shortages," stated Governor Koster, emphasizing that the issue is strategic and enshrined in Bali's 100-year Development Program.
Koster's idea is that dry areas such as Karangasem, Buleleng, and Jembrana can become new agricultural centers under two conditions:
— Environmental assessment: ensuring soil and climate suitability is necessary.
— Water supply: resources are available, but they will need to be transported over long distances.
Alongside the creation of new fields, Bali's authorities are preparing a regional regulation (Raperda) project aimed at strictly controlling land-use change.
Minister Nusron Wahid supported the initiative, stating that Bali needs to restore at least 6000 hectares to meet targets for Permanent Agricultural Land. He also confirmed the central government's readiness to assist:
"If the land is available, the central government will build rice fields on it to compensate for those already lost in Bali," Nusron said, while also reminding investors that it is possible to build new villas on the island, but not on agricultural land.
Sources: detik
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