IPB University and Astra Harvest IPB 9G Rice in Sambas Regency, Farmers: The Results Are Much Better
IPB University and PT Astra International Tbk held a grand harvest of IPB 9G rice in Semparuk Village, Semparuk District, Sambas Regency, West Kalimantan, on Tuesday (7/1).
This activity is part of the One Village One CEO (OVOC) and Astra Prosperous Village (DSA) programs, aimed at strengthening national food security through community empowerment and enhancing the capacity of farmer groups in IPB University’s partner villages.
This grand harvest is the result of the planting season that began on March 29, 2025. The IPB 9G variety is known for its superior productivity, resilience to tropical environmental stress, and potential to increase farmers’ income.
Dr Handian Purwawangsa, Director of the Agromaritime Community Development (PMA) Program at IPB University, stated that this harvest festival is not merely a celebration of agricultural yields but a significant milestone in promoting the adoption of locally-based technologies rooted in IPB University research.
“The OVOC and DSA programs serve as drivers of village economic development through entrepreneurship and agricultural innovation,” he said.
From the farmers’ perspective, Sukiman, Chief of the Dare Nandung Farmers’ Group, expressed pride in this achievement. “In the past, we relied solely on local varieties with unpredictable yields. Now, with IPB 9G, the results are much better, and we are increasingly confident in farming,” he said.
IPB University Rector Prof Arif Satria stated that IPB University is fully committed to promoting the development of the superior IPB 9G variety in Sambas as a tangible innovation to improve farmers’ welfare and a solution for achieving national food security.
This harvest festival also served as an opportunity to showcase the achievements of the IPB 9G rice cultivation demonstration plot program in Semparuk Village. The demonstration plot results showed good plant growth, with a harvest period of only 103 days after sowing, providing farmers with faster returns. The average number of grains per panicle reached 350 grains.
From the harvested area of 880 square meters, a total of 535 kilograms of dried harvested paddy (GKP) was obtained, with 454 kilograms of dried paddy ready for milling.
After milling, 258,20 kilograms of rice were produced, equivalent to 57 percent of the total paddy, with byproducts including bran (37,7 kilograms, 8,7 percent), husk (7,5 kilograms, 1,6 percent), and chaff (150 kilograms, 33 percent).
This achievement demonstrates that the IPB 9G variety has significantly higher productivity compared to local varieties. While the average yield of local varieties is around 3 tons per hectare, the potential yield of IPB 9G can reach 6 to 7 tons per hectare. These advantages make the IPB 9G variety a promising option for further development in the Sambas region.
Meanwhile, the Acting Chief of the Agriculture and Food Security Department of Sambas Regency expressed appreciation for the collaboration that has been established. “We strongly support the development of the superior IPB 9G variety in Sambas Regency.”
“The agricultural potential of our region is enormous, and the presence of IPB University and PT Astra has brought new enthusiasm for farmers to become more productive and self-reliant,” he said.
In addition to rice, the Sambas region, particularly Semparuk Village, also has potential for other premium commodities such as betel nuts and coconut fronds, which are now being considered for large-scale development. Betel nuts have a growing export market, particularly to countries in South Asia and the Middle East.
Meanwhile, coconut fronds processed into brooms and other handicraft products also have the potential to become key export commodities, as demand for environmentally friendly products in the global market continues to rise. The introduction of the high-yielding rice variety IPB 9G, along with the development of export commodities like betel nuts and coconut fronds, is expected to drive improvements in farmers’ welfare and Indonesia’s food security. (IAAS/LAN)
