PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - The Bandung City Government has prepared 30 water pumps to help farmers face the risk of drought and maintain agricultural productivity during the dry season (25/6/2026).

This step was taken through the Bandung City Food Security and Agriculture Service as an effort to maintain water availability for agricultural land.

The government is also mapping drought-prone areas, providing drought-resistant seeds, and improving agricultural support facilities.

Head of the Bandung City Food Security and Agriculture Agency, Gin Gin Ginanjar, said that a number of agricultural areas in the eastern region are potentially affected by drought if the dry season lasts for a long time.

The area includes Gedebage, Cibiru, Ujungberung, Buahbatu, Mandalajati, and the surrounding areas.

"If you look at the distribution of rice fields, many are located in the eastern region, such as Gedebage, Cibiru, Ujungberung, Buahbatu, Mandalajati, and the surrounding areas. These are areas prone to drought," said Gin Gin.

He revealed that a number of farmers in the Rancasari area were starting to feel a decrease in the water discharge used to irrigate agricultural land.

This condition has prompted the government to accelerate mitigation measures so that agricultural activities continue to run optimally.

In addition to providing water pumps, the government provides education to farmers regarding cultivation techniques that are more adaptive to climate change.

Other efforts include building shallow wells, improving simple irrigation, and providing superior seeds that are more resistant to drought.

"We're also anticipating pest and disease attacks that typically occur during the long dry season. The threat to farmers isn't just water shortages, but also increased plant-disturbing organisms," he said.

To support farmers' needs, around 30 water pumps have been distributed to farmer groups and the Agricultural Equipment and Machinery Brigade.

The pump can be borrowed free of charge by farmers, only bearing the operational costs of use.

"We provide the equipment free of charge. Farmers only bear the operational costs. However, we are also continuing to coordinate with the central government to obtain additional pump assistance because the need in the field is quite significant," said Gin Gin.

According to him, most agricultural land in Bandung City still relies on a rain-fed system, so water issues are a routine challenge faced by farmers.

These characteristics make it necessary to take anticipatory steps early to maintain agricultural production and regional food security.

Through various mitigation efforts, the Bandung City Government is optimistic that farmers can maintain production results even though they face the dry season.

This step is also expected to maintain the community's food supply and support the sustainability of the agricultural sector in Bandung City.

(Bandung City Communications and Information Service/bhf)