Indonesia’s Ministry of Agriculture is implementing the Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) method to reduce irrigation water use by up to 20 percent. This move aims to lessen the potential impact of the extreme El Nino phenomenon, referred to as “Godzilla El Nino,” and the possibility of prolonged drought.
Boosting Water Efficiency
According to Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman, the AWD method can cut irrigation water usage by as much as 20 percent without reducing rice productivity. He stated, “Water efficiency is key in facing increasingly unpredictable dry seasons.” The technology is part of a larger strategy to adapt to and mitigate climate change, focusing on the efficient use of limited water resources.
Fadjry Djufry, Head of the Agricultural Assembly and Modernization Agency (BRMP) at the Ministry of Agriculture, emphasized that AWD addresses challenges faced in the field, particularly during dry seasons. The method allows farmers to maintain optimal plant conditions while reducing reliance on continuous flooding, better preparing them for potential droughts.
How AWD Works
AWD regulates irrigation based on soil moisture, avoiding constant flooding. After an initial flooding phase, water is allowed to recede before limited re-watering occurs. A simple PVC pipe system, 10–15 cm in diameter and 30–100 cm long, perforated and wrapped in gauze, is used to monitor water depth near field embankments. Re-watering is typically done when the water level drops 10–15 cm below the soil surface, bringing it back to 3–5 cm.
Ali Pramono, an analyst at the Agricultural Environment BRMP, explained that AWD improves root and soil health, making crops more drought-resilient and potentially increasing yields. He added that the method lowers greenhouse gas emissions from rice fields.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the goal of implementing the AWD method?
The goal is to cut irrigation water use by up to 20 percent to mitigate the risks posed by the “Godzilla El Nino” phenomenon and potential prolonged drought.
How long has AWD been used in Indonesia?
The Ministry of Agriculture has been adapting AWD for use in Indonesia since 2013.
Does AWD affect rice productivity?
No, the AWD method is designed to reduce irrigation water usage without affecting rice productivity.
As Indonesia prepares for the potential impacts of “Godzilla El Nino,” how might the success of the AWD method influence future agricultural strategies in regions facing similar water scarcity challenges?
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