PORTALJABAR, CIAMIS REGENCY - Amidst the dry season and the threat of drought that could potentially disrupt agricultural productivity, support for farmers continues to be strengthened. A total of 37 units of Agricultural Equipment and Machinery (Alsintan) were handed over to the people of Ciamis Regency through the aspiration of Dr. Hj. Rina Sa'adah, Lc., M.Si., Member of Commission IV of the Indonesian House of Representatives for the 2024–2029 period.

The handover of aid took place in the Hall Building of the Ciamis Regency Agriculture and Food Security Service (DPKP) Office, Monday (21/9/2026).

The agricultural machinery assistance consists of 25 water pumps and 12 two-wheeled tractors, which are expected to help farmers face various challenges in the agricultural production process, especially during the dry season.

Member of Commission IV of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Dr. Hj. Rina Sa'adah, Lc., M.Sc., said that strengthening the agricultural sector is an important part of maintaining national food security.

According to him, food security is not only about food availability, but also about how to ensure that the food production process can run sustainably, effectively, and efficiently.

"Our focus is national food security. It's not just about ensuring food availability, but also ensuring that food production continues to run smoothly and benefits farmers," he said.

He expressed his appreciation to the Ciamis Regency Government for assisting in the data collection and verification process for aid recipients so that the distribution of agricultural machinery could be carried out in a more targeted manner.

"The Regent of Ciamis has provided significant assistance with data collection and verification, ensuring the proper distribution of this aid. Hopefully, this agricultural machinery can be utilized optimally and increase agricultural production more effectively and efficiently," he said.

Rina Sa'adah also highlighted the El Niño conditions and drought affecting several areas on Java. She stated that assistance in the form of agricultural equipment and machinery, particularly water pumps, is expected to support farmers in maintaining production continuity.

"I've also observed the El Niño conditions, or drought, affecting Java. I hope this agricultural machinery will be very useful. Let's pray together that this situation can be resolved quickly and that farmers can continue producing," he said.

Ciamis Regent Herdiat Sunarya expressed his appreciation and gratitude for Dr. Hj. Rina Sa'adah's attention and support for the people of Ciamis Regency, particularly in the agricultural sector.

According to the Regent, this isn't the first time Rina Sa'adah has provided assistance through her own initiative. She has visited Ciamis Regency several times to provide support to the community, particularly in the agricultural sector.

"Mrs. Rina Sa'adah's visit and the assistance she has provided have greatly helped the people of Ciamis Regency, particularly in the agricultural sector. This is her third or fourth visit to Ciamis. On behalf of the Ciamis Regency Government, I express my gratitude," he said.

The Regent assessed that the water pump assistance was highly relevant to the current situation faced by farmers. In the midst of the dry season, water availability is a crucial factor in maintaining the sustainability of agricultural activities.

"We will certainly make the most of this assistance. In the current dry season, the provision of water pumps is very appropriate and can be used to support water needs for agriculture in Ciamis Regency," said Herdiat.

Furthermore, Regent Herdiat reminded that efforts to maintain agricultural productivity must go hand in hand with concern for environmental sustainability.

He invited the entire community to work together to protect forests and the balance of nature as a form of responsibility towards future generations.

"We certainly must increase our awareness of preserving and maintaining the balance of nature. Let's work together to protect the forests for our future generations. We must not pass on problems to our children and grandchildren that will only make things more difficult for them," he stressed.

The Regent hopes that the Alsintan assistance will have a real impact on increasing the agricultural productivity of the Ciamis community.

According to him, the use of agricultural technology is an important part in encouraging change from conventional agricultural patterns that still rely on human labor to more modern and mechanized agriculture.

"Hopefully, this will increase farmer productivity and reduce dependence on human labor. Farmers must also be able to improve the quality of their agricultural products," he said.

Herdiat reiterated that all aid recipients should utilize agricultural machinery optimally and responsibly.

"With this agricultural machinery assistance, please make the most of it. This is one way to transition from conventional farming methods, which rely heavily on human labor, to mechanized ones. Hopefully, this will further increase agricultural productivity," he concluded.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Ciamis Regency Agriculture and Food Security Service, Ape Ruswandana, in his report stated that the assistance handed over was part of the government's support in improving agricultural mechanization while also addressing the needs of the community.

The total aid distributed was 37 units of agricultural machinery, consisting of 25 water pumps and 12 two-wheeled tractors.

Ape hopes that the assistance can be optimally utilized by the recipient groups so that it has a direct impact on the efficiency of land cultivation, water management, and increasing agricultural productivity in Ciamis Regency.

The distribution of agricultural machinery is also part of the synergy between the central government, the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), and the Ciamis Regency Government in strengthening the agricultural sector and maintaining the sustainability of food production in the region.

(Ciamis Communications and Information Service/rka)