Rice Crop Manager: Delivering results for Indonesian farmers

Project proponents share key results to date of the implementation of the localized RCM in Indonesia. The project is funded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) of the Republic of Korea.

BANDUNG and JAKARTA, Indonesia, 09 July 2024 ~ In less than a year, the Layanan Konsultasi Padi (LKP) project has helped farmers gain an average income increase of $90 per hectare and yields ranging from 6.1 to 9.2 tons per hectare during the 2023 dry season, underscoring the importance of field-level implementation in enhancing Indonesian farmers’ rice farming practices and productivity.

The Indonesian version of the IRRI-developed Rice Crop Manager (RCM) , LKP is a digital tool that provides field-specific nutrient and crop management recommendations adapted from the principles of Site-Specific Nutrient Management (SSNM). This system helps rice farmers maximize yields and profit through personalized and actionable fertilizer management guidelines.

LKP recommendations are based on previously obtained yields, field conditions, and the farmer’s current management practices. It targets optimized nutrient and water management to improve yields and reduce greenhouse gas emissions through SSNM and Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) practices. LKP 2.0, the newest version of LKP launched in October 2023, introduced user-friendly functionalities such as user and farmer registration, field profiling, and a modular questionnaire for tailored recommendations. This platform is central to disseminating knowledge and fostering better farming practices among Indonesian farmers.

In East Java, South Sulawesi, and West Java, upgradation trials adapted and validated decision logic for SSNM. Nutrient Omission Plot Trials (NOPTs) and LKP demonstrations showcased these advancements, laying the groundwork for broader adoption. The project deployed advanced Geographic Information Systems and remote sensing technologies tested…