Padang Panjang, (Antaranews Sumbar) - The Government of Padang Panjang Municipality, West Sumatra noted that in the last three years, rice production in the area has always been increasing and surplus.
"Because of that condition, in addition to local consumption needs, it can also be marketed to neighboring areas and as a reserve," Head of Food Crops, Horticulture and Plantation at local Department of Food and Agriculture, Fitriadi stated in Padang Panjang, Tuesday.
He declared rice production in 2015 was weighing 5,947.8 tons and then increased in the next year to 6,491.7 tons and in 2017 increased to 6,783.4 tons.
Meanwhile, the demand for rice in 2015 and 2016 were 5,523 tons and the demand for 2017 was 5,597 tons.
"There is a surplus of 1,186.3 tons last year, and every year there is a target for increased production. Because urban land is limited, the steps taken are intensifying in existing land," he explained.
He mentioned that the farmland in the area is currently 630 hectares dominated by paddy fields.
While the land accommodated in regional spatial planning (RTRW) is only 553 hectares so that there is a possibility of land will switch function.
"Now we are preparing local rule on sustainable food agriculture land to establish and protect agricultural land," he said. (cha)