Rice Turning Yellow, Water Disappearing: Pati Farmers Face Threat of Crop Failure

The existence of this irrigation network is critical for farmers, especially during the dry season. In Jambean Kidul Village alone, the Logung Reservoir irrigation network can water up to around 183 hectares of farmland.

“Farmers aren’t asking for continuous service. If it could be available only for urgent times, like during the third planting season, that would already be appreciated,” Kamelan explained.

Borehole Drilling

The limited water supply has led some farmers to seek solutions independently.

Some farmers have taken the risk of drilling boreholes to save their rice crops. However, this step requires significant funds. Farmers must cover the drilling costs as well as the electrical installation to pump water from the wells to the fields.

“Some farmers have gone ahead with it. Those without savings have even gone into debt. They use the money to drill boreholes, not to mention the need to build electrical networks that can stretch up to two kilometers because the fields are in the middle of the rice paddies,” Kamelan said.

The cost to drill a single borehole is at least around Rp 10 million, making it unaffordable for many farmers to take this step.

Repairs to Logung Reservoir Never Materialize

This situation adds further burdens on the farmers.

Besides facing the risk of crop failure, they also have to bear extra costs just to secure water supply for their crops.

Kamelan noted that repairs to the Logung Reservoir irrigation system have been reported to relevant authorities several times, but no concrete action has taken place to address the damages.

“It’s been reported often. They say it will be proposed, but nothing ever happens,” he said.

Now, the Jambean Kidul farmers practically have to rely solely on the Juwana River. However, the river too has dried up due to the prolonged drought.

Meanwhile, depending on water supply from the Kedungombo Reservoir is considered difficult due to the great distance.

“Our only hope is for the rain to come soon. Expecting water from Kedungombo is too far away, the chances are very slim,” Kamelan stated.

The farmers hope the government will soon repair the Logung Reservoir irrigation network. At least the network’s existence would provide a backup water source for farmers facing emergencies like long droughts.

“Hopefully it can be repaired soon,” he concluded.