Jayapura – The Papua Provincial Government is intensifying efforts to achieve rice self-sufficiency as part of a broader strategy to improve the Farmers’ Terms of Trade (NTP) and overall farmer welfare.
Head of Papua’s Food Crops, Horticulture, and Food Agency, Lunanka V.M.L. Daimboa, said the initiative focuses on expanding planting areas and increasing agricultural productivity.
“The government’s rice field expansion program does not only focus on opening new land, but is also supported by other initiatives such as land optimization and the development of upland rice to boost production,” Lunanka said in Jayapura on Sunday.
He noted that increased production would directly contribute to improving farmers’ terms of trade.
“This is one of the government’s main objectives in promoting farmers’ welfare in Papua,” he added.
Lunanka also highlighted that the central government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, is prioritizing food self-sufficiency, particularly in rice, with the goal of achieving it across all regions, including Papua.
“We urge farmers to maintain both the quality and quantity of their production and to take advantage of the support programs provided to improve agricultural output and ensure sustainable welfare,” he said.
Meanwhile, Head of Statistics Indonesia (BPS) Papua, Adriana Helena Carolina, explained that the Farmers’ Terms of Trade (NTP) is measured by comparing the price index received by farmers (It) with the price index they pay (Ib).
“NTP is an important indicator to assess farmers’ purchasing power in rural areas, as well as their exchange capacity for goods and services, both for consumption and production costs,” Adriana said.
She reported that Papua’s NTP rose by 0.23 percent in March 2026 to 103.30.
“The increase was driven by a 0.40 percent rise in the price index received by farmers, which was higher than the 0.16 percent increase in the price index paid by farmers,” she explained.
According to Adriana, four subsectors recorded an increase in NTP, with the livestock subsector posting the highest gain at 0.60 percent.
“Meanwhile, the smallholder plantation subsector recorded a decline in NTP of 0.33 percent,” she added.
She further noted that Papua’s Household Consumption Index (IKRT) rose by 0.06 percent in March 2026 to 120.66.
“However, the Agricultural Household Business Exchange Rate (NTUP) stood at 106.77, down by 1.00 percent,” she said.
