Mataram, University of Mataram – In order to support the implementation of the Indonesian Food Patriot program by the University of Mataram (Unram) in accordance with the mandate of the Ministry of Education, Culture Research and Technology, Unram held an audience related to the delivery of the Indonesian Food Patriot program plan at Unram with the Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Indonesia on Thursday, May 2, 2024 at the Hall of the Governor of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB).

According to the analysis of land suitability in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) and surrounding areas, strengthening agriculture in the dryland sector is considered necessary considering that some agricultural areas in NTB and eastern Indonesia are generally dominated by drylands which have great opportunities to be developed into food production centers for agricultural products, livestock, plantations and inland fisheries as well as other strategic potentials.

NTB and other eastern Indonesia regions have problems in terms of groundwater availability that need to be resolved in order to encourage the implementation of several strategic dryland food programs. To fulfill the program, the Rector of Unram, Prof. Ir. Bambang Hari Kusumo, M.Agr.St., Ph.D. requested the support of the Ministry of Agriculture (Kementan) through an audience with the Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Indonesia Dr. Ir. H. Andi Amran Sulaiman, M.P..

In the audience, the Rector of Unram explained that Unram had succeeded in creating a solar panel well prototype.

“We have created a solar-powered pump for areas where there is no water. We offer solar pumps that can pump water non-stop during the day. We already have a prototype with a pump depth of 40 meters and we are currently testing with 80 meters depth. So, for example, the Minister can help us in terms of drilling at hundreds of points and then we will multiply these prototypes so that in the dry season we can revitalize dry lands,” said Prof. Bambang.

The Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Indonesia Dr. Ir. H. Andi Amran Sulaiman, M.P. warmly welcomed the good intentions of the Rector of Unram and gave directions to immediately begin the plan.

“Do it immediately, for good things like this, don’t postpone it. I give 100 points for NTB with a total budget of 5 billion rupiah,” said the Minister of Agriculture.

This audience resulted in Unram’s cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture in terms of drilling water sources in various dry areas and the use of solar boreholes to irrigate dry land in the dry season. The Rector of Unram initiated the installation of solar panel boreholes and the Ministry of Agriculture played a role in drilling water sources.