Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesia has earmarked about Rp5 trillion (US$282 million) to expand irrigation and distribute drought-resistant seeds, as authorities brace for potential crop losses linked to the El Nino weather pattern, the agriculture minister said Monday.“We are increasing the irrigation budget by more than Rp3 trillion (US$169.5 million),” Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman said, outlining efforts to shield food production from a prolonged dry season expected in several regions.The policy is designed to maintain stable agricultural output as drought risks rise, with officials warning that erratic rainfall could disrupt planting cycles and reduce yields if left unaddressed.More than Rp3 trillion of the total allocation will go toward strengthening irrigation infrastructure, including installing pumps and optimizing water sources in drought-prone farming areas.The government is also launching a program to develop 30,000 hectares (74,000 acres) of new rice fields, aiming to expand cultivation areas and gradually boost national food production capacity.Sulaiman said the irrigation drive will cover up to 1.5 million hectares of farmland nationwide, using a mix of pumping systems and improved access to rivers, reservoirs and other water sources.Authorities have opened registration for 80,000 water pumps, targeting around 1 million hectares of rice fields affected by drought conditions.In parallel, about Rp2 trillion (US$113 million) has been allocated to supply superior drought-resistant seeds to farmers, particularly in rain-fed and upland areas.“These seeds are designed to raise the cropping index, allowing farmers to harvest more than once a year despite limited water,” Sulaiman said.The program focuses on areas that typically produce only one crop annually due to water shortages, aiming to increase planting frequency and improve productivity.Officials say better irrigation and water access will allow more efficient land use, reducing reliance on seasonal rainfall.Sulaiman added that rice production remains robust, with government reserves at 4.9 million tons and expected to reach five million tons soon.The government expressed confidence that the combined measures will sustain food output while gradually improving farmers’ welfare nationwide.