PORTALJABAR, GARUT REGENCY - The Garut Regency Government (Pemkab) together with the Cimanuk River School (SSC) and the Food Care Group commemorated World Food Day 2026 at Lapang Harum Madu, Bayongbong District, Monday (19/10/2026). This activity included the distribution of seed assistance to farmers and a discussion on efforts to strengthen food security and find solutions to the drought that has impacted agricultural land.

Teddy Gumilar, Head of the Agricultural Technical Implementation Unit (UPT) for Region 9 of the Garut Regency Agriculture Service, stated that the activity was a form of support for community food security. On that occasion, 250 kilograms of rice seeds and 30 kilograms of corn seeds were distributed to farmer groups in Mekarsari Village.

"These seeds were given from the UPTD to the Head of the Farmer Group, to then be distributed directly to the members," explained Teddy.

He explained that the types of seeds provided can be adjusted to the needs and demands of farmers, ranging from corn, spinach, sosin, to celery seeds.

Teddy also urged the community, particularly Women Farmers' Groups (KWT), to utilize vacant land in their yards to meet their families' food needs. This land use is expected to reduce dependence on external food supplies and help communities cope with rising prices of basic necessities.

"We hope this step will improve food self-sufficiency and support inflation when prices rise, so that food-conscious farmer groups are not affected," he added.

Meanwhile, Mulyono Kadafi, Director of the Cimanuk River School (SSC), revealed that approximately 42 hectares of agricultural land in the border area of three sub-districts has been affected by extreme drought. Despite these conditions, farmers and the SSC are continuing their efforts to maintain their enthusiasm for strengthening food security.

"But we as farmers and the Cimanuk River School remain steadfast in commemorating World Food Day," Mulyono emphasized.

To address water shortages and irrigation infrastructure challenges, SSC has partnered with the River Basin Agency (BBWS). Mulyono outlined three mitigation measures: river water extraction for short-term emergency response, well drilling with the assistance of BBWS in three sub-districts, including Padamukti Village in Pasirwangi District, and Mekarsari Village in Bayongbong District, for the medium term, and proposing the construction of more adequate irrigation infrastructure as a long-term solution.

In addition to addressing water shortages, Mulyono highlighted the importance of restoring forests in upstream and mountainous areas. He urged the government, farmers, and communities to work together to preserve the environment to support the sustainability of water resources and the agricultural sector.

The impact of the drought is also being felt directly by farmers. Mayati, a member of the Women's Farmers Group (KWT), expressed her concern about the increasingly limited water availability in her village.

"Nembe ayeuna kacida. Usually nu pengker sok aya wae sometimes cai sakedik mah. Ayeuna mah teu aya pisan," (This is the first time it's really bad. Usually there is always water in the back, even if it's a little bit. Now there isn't any at all), said Mayati.

Mayati hopes the government will provide further attention and assistance, especially in the form of rice seeds and fertilizer to support the next planting season.

(Garut Communications and Information Service/rka)