Indonesia prepares low-emission farming transition

Indonesia is advancing plans to shift its agricultural sector toward a low-emission model as part of its 2025–2029 Medium-Term National Development Plan. Officials announced the initiative during a virtual session at the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Sustainable Rice Transformation Dialogue held in Sanur, Bali. The move aims to balance environmental sustainability with economic growth in rural communities, focusing especially on rice cultivation, which is central to Indonesia’s food security strategy. Ade Candradijaya, head of the Agricultural Cooperation Bureau at the Ministry of Agriculture, outlined the government’s priorities during the event. He emphasized the need for measurable strategies that cut emissions without compromising productivity or farmers' livelihoods. Digital technologies were highlighted as critical tools in this transformation, enabling data-driven decisions that improve efficiency and sustainability in rice farming. These efforts align with broader goals to modernize Indonesia’s agricultural landscape and ensure long-term food security. The initiative includes several components aimed at strengthening domestic rice production. Investment in irrigation infrastructure is being promoted to enhance water availability and distribution. Parallel efforts focus on developing high-quality seeds and empowering farmers through training and education programs. However, officials stressed that achieving food security involves more than just boosting output. They pointed to the importance of protecting soil health, managing water resources effectively, adapting to climate change, and improving overall production efficiency. International collaboration plays a vital role in Indonesia’s transition to low-emission agriculture. The government has welcomed support from global institutions such as the Global Environment Facility (GEF), FAO, the World Bank, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). This partnership is centered around the Food Systems Integrated Program (FSIP), which was launched to address challenges related to food production, environmental sustainability, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience. The FSIP is co-led by FAO and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), with backing from the GEF. The program has secured over $280 million in funding from the GEF and an estimated $2.2 billion in total investments. Its scope extends beyond staple crops like rice, wheat, and corn to include globally traded commodities such as cocoa, palm oil, soybeans, livestock, and aquaculture. The initiative encourages integrated farming systems and sustainable environmental management to create resilient food systems. Indonesia’s push for cleaner agricultural practices follows rising awareness of the environmental toll of food systems worldwide. According to FAO data, global food and agricultural systems produced 16.5 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2023, contributing nearly one-third of all global greenhouse gas emissions. This underscores the urgency of adopting sustainable methods to mitigate climate impacts while ensuring food security. The government’s approach reflects a recognition that traditional agricultural models are unsustainable in the face of climate change and resource depletion. By integrating technological innovation, international cooperation, and policy reforms, Indonesia seeks to transform its agricultural sector into a model of environmental responsibility and economic viability. The success of these initiatives will depend on sustained investment, effective implementation, and active participation from local communities and stakeholders. Efforts to promote low-emission rice farming are already underway in regions with lower and medium yields, where the potential for improvement is greatest. Farmers are being trained in new techniques that reduce methane emissions, a significant contributor to greenhouse gases in rice paddies. These methods include alternate wetting and drying, which conserves water while reducing emissions, and the use of organic fertilizers instead of chemical ones. The transition to sustainable agriculture is not without challenges. Many small-scale farmers lack access to the necessary resources, including capital, technology, and knowledge. Addressing these barriers requires targeted policies and support mechanisms that ensure equitable benefits from the shift. The government is working with both public and private sectors to develop solutions tailored to different regions and farming conditions. As Indonesia moves forward with its low-emission farming agenda, it continues to engage with regional and global partners to share best practices and secure additional funding. Delegates from 12 Asian and African nations attended the recent dialogue, signaling interest in similar transitions elsewhere. The outcomes of these discussions could influence future policies and collaborations aimed at building more resilient and environmentally friendly food systems.