Adapting water resources potency for sustainable rice crop systems in Kerinci

Abstract

Water accessibility and its optimal usage is important for rice land management and climate change resilience. Optimal and adequate water conditions will support utmost rice growth and development. The research aimed to identify water resources accessibility for developing sustainable rice catchment area in Kerinci region. Research was done in 2016 mostly through field surveys. Secondary and primary data were used for supporting further analysis. Each potential water resources such as river, swamps, pump, deep/shallow water in soil surface and others were evaluated. Water buildings facility were also being used as complementary supporting these agricultural service areas. The result showed that water services can be carried out optimally for rice area about 14,375 ha. Strategically, rice production canters specially are located in Danau Kerinci, Keliling Danau and East Air Hangat Sub-district. This research recommendation is useful for policy making and expansion of rice areas in particular. Rice existing land area can still be increased up to 52% based on area coverage.