Papua Rice Self-Sufficiency Drive Aims to Boost Farmers’ Welfare and Production

Papua rice self-sufficiency is gaining momentum as the provincial government intensifies efforts to boost production and improve farmers’ welfare. The initiative focuses on expanding cultivation areas, optimising land use, and promoting upland rice farming to meet local demand.

The program is part of Indonesia’s broader push toward food security strategy, ensuring stable rice supply while reducing dependence on external sources. Authorities are encouraging farmers to adopt better farming practices to enhance both the quality and quantity of output.

A key objective of the initiative is to improve farmers’ income and strengthen the Farmer Terms of Trade (FTT), an important indicator of purchasing power. Papua’s FTT reached 103.30 in March 2026, signalling improved economic conditions for farmers and increased profitability in the agriculture sector.

The government is also focusing on upland rice farming, which allows cultivation in non-irrigated areas, thereby increasing overall production capacity. This approach is expected to utilize untapped land resources and create new opportunities for farmers.

In the long term, the success of Papua rice self-sufficiency will not only enhance local food availability but also contribute to sustainable agricultural growth and improved livelihoods for farming communities.