The dry season that has persisted over the past several weeks has begun to affect the agricultural sector in Luwu Regency, South Sulawesi. A number of rice fields have experienced water shortages, disrupting rice growth and increasing the risk of crop failure for farmers.

The situation has prompted PT Masmindo Dwi Area (MDA), together with the Luwu Regency Government, through the Agriculture Office and Social Affairs Office, as well as FORDES MATAPPA, to take a number of measures to help meet the water needs of affected agricultural areas. The response has been tailored to local conditions and the availability of water sources in each area, ranging from the use of water pumps and the provision of drilled wells to the deployment of water trucks. In implementation, the irrigation efforts are being carried out in cooperation with the Luwu Regency Social Affairs Office.

Overall, these efforts have reached approximately 70 hectares of agricultural land across Tampumia Radda, Balo-Balo, Kurusumanga, and Senga Selatan. The support is focused on areas experiencing limited water supplies to ensure that rice crops already planted continue to receive sufficient water throughout the dry season.

MDA’s Chief Mining Engineer (KTT), Mustafa Ibrahim, said the initiative is a joint response to the conditions faced by farmers and is being carried out in coordination with the Luwu Regency Government and FORDES MATAPPA.

“We recognize that this situation requires a collective response. Through coordination with the Luwu Regency Government and FORDES MATAPPA, MDA is seeking to provide support based on the needs identified in the field, so that farmers can maintain their crops and reduce the risk of crop failure,” said Mustafa.

Head of the Luwu Regency Agriculture Office, Islamuddin, S.P., M.Si., said the dry season, which has lasted for approximately the past month, has had a significant impact on agricultural activities across Luwu Regency.

“During the dry season, which has lasted for around the past month, agricultural areas in Luwu Regency have indeed been significantly affected, impacting farmers, particularly those cultivating rain-fed rice fields, as well as irrigated fields,” said Islamuddin.

He expressed his appreciation for the collaboration to help farmers address water shortages during the dry season.

“On behalf of the Luwu Regency Government, the Agriculture Office would like to express our appreciation for the cooperation provided by PT Masmindo Dwi Area. Masmindo has implemented several strategies to support farmers in dealing with the dry season, including providing water to rice fields,” he said.

Adi, a farmer from Senga Selatan Village, said the drought, which has lasted for approximately one month, has affected the growth of the rice crops in his field.

“For the past month, the rice field has been dry and the rice plants have become stunted. We are grateful that farmers are still receiving attention through this irrigation support. At least, we still have hope of harvesting our crops,” said Adi.

The collaboration between MDA, the Luwu Regency Government, and FORDES MATAPPA is expected to help farmers get through the dry season while maintaining the rice crops that have already been planted until harvest. The response is being implemented based on conditions and needs in the field to ensure that support reaches agricultural areas requiring additional water supplies.