This Flashback of Agricultural Sector Development is quoted from the Public Literacy page with the title “Corporate-Based Food Productivity Improvement Movement (GP3K)”. It is said that the former president of the Republic of Indonesia, Suharto, is of the view that farmers will not prosper without state intervention through economic development programs that rely on the agrarian sector.
Thus, various policies that lead to the food revolution were issued, which were outlined in the Five-Year Development Plan or Repelita I (1969-1974) with the agricultural sector as the main priority, then Repelita II (1974-1979), which focused on development outside Java, Bali, and Madura, while still prioritizing the agricultural sector.
In order to support Repelita I and II, one of which is the construction of a fertilizer factory to facilitate the procurement of fertilizer, which is the background of a commitment to continue the establishment of a Petrochemical Plant.
Apart from fertilizer factories, other agricultural infrastructure developments were also built, such as reservoirs, dams, and irrigation. Among them are Mrica Gajah Mungkur and Kedung Ombo reservoirs in Central Java, then Karang Kates Dam in East Java, Riam Kanan and Riam Kiwo Dams in Kalimantan and Asahan Dam in Sumatra. Roads in the countryside were repaired and an electricity program for rural areas was also started.
Then, farming management was also introduced through the mass intensification program (Inmas) and mass guidance (Bimas) to increase agricultural production. Superior rice seeds are given, planting technology is also applied so that if traditionally the rice fields usually only produce one harvest a year, then since then the rice harvest can take place two to three times a year.
At that time the average farmer only had half a hectare and the ability to master planting technology was also not widely mastered except for traditional farming. The government also produced a number of agricultural extension workers, formed cooperative units to sell superior plant seeds, provided chemical fertilizers and insecticides to eradicate pests.
The irrigation system was improved by irrigating the rice fields so that many rice fields that previously only relied on rain water, can now be planted in the dry season by utilizing the irrigation system. Pilot plots were also built, farmer groups were formed in each village to follow the guidance of agricultural extension workers.
The government also launched the Audience, Readers, and Listeners Group program (Kelompencapir) as a forum for gatherings that include outstanding farmers and fishermen from various regions to share knowledge about agriculture, such as how to plant, fertilize, and so on.
Not only face-to-face, but also broadcast via radio and television, even a number of print media provide special pages for newspapers entering the village with broadcast material that is typical of the countryside, guiding farmers.
Source: https://www.literasipublik.com/gerak-peningkatan-productivity-pangan-berbasis-korporasi-gp3k
