Samarinda State Polytechnic of Agriculture Drives Agricultural Innovation; Rice Productivity of GAPOKTAN Mandiri Increases by 44.83%

KUTAI KARTANEGARA (10/09/2026) — The Samarinda State Agricultural Polytechnic (Politani Samarinda) is strengthening its contribution to boosting productivity and food security in East Kalimantan through the implementation of agricultural technology innovations and the strengthening of farmer institutions.

Through a seed bio-invigoration demonstration plot integrated with the Low External Input Sustainable Agriculture (LEISA) system at the Mandiri Joint Farmer Group (Gapoktan) in Sidomulyo Village, Anggana District, Kutai Kartanegara Regency, rice productivity rose from 4.80 tons to 6.95 tons of harvested dry grain (GKP) per hectare—an increase of 44.83% compared to the first planting season of 2026.

This achievement demonstrates that technology-based innovation and the utilization of local resources can deliver tangible impacts on sustainable increases in rice production. Seed bio-invigoration utilizes beneficial microbes to enhance seed vigor, while the LEISA system optimizes local resources to support soil and plant health.

Hamka, S.TP., M.Sc., M.P., Director of Politani Samarinda, emphasized that vocational higher education institutions play a strategic role in introducing technologies capable of addressing the real challenges faced by farmers.
 

"By employing bio-invigoration through the LEISA system, paddy rice productivity at the Mandiri Gapoktan demonstration plot increased to 6.95 tons per hectare, a rise of approximately 44.83%," stated Hamka.

This initiative was carried out by a Politani Samarinda team comprising four lecturers, with tasks divided into two main areas. The production enhancement sector involved Rusmini, S.P., M.P., and La Mudi, S.P., M.P., while the strengthening of the farmer group institution was supported by Andi Lelanovita Sardianti, S.P., M.M., and Muhamad Yazid Bustomi, S.P., M.Sc. The assistance provided focused not only on increasing production but also on strengthening the institutional capacity of the *Gapoktan Mandiri* (Independent Farmers' Group Association), which comprises 623 farmers, 40 farmer groups, and 126 hectares of land. The results of this support demonstrate improvements in organizational governance, administration, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), human resource capacity, asset and agricultural machinery service unit (UPJA) management, partnerships, and market access.

The development of the demonstration plot was further bolstered through collaboration with the East Kalimantan Representative Office of Bank Indonesia (BI). Jajang Hermawan, Head of the BI East Kalimantan Representative Office, attended the harvest event and inspected the demonstration plot alongside local government officials and relevant stakeholders.

This cross-sector collaboration plays a vital role in building an agricultural ecosystem focused not merely on increasing production, but also on strengthening farmers' capacities and ensuring the sustainability of farming operations.

The achievements of the Politani Samarinda demonstration plot align with the East Kalimantan Provincial Government's efforts to boost food production and meet the target of achieving rice self-sufficiency by 2026. East Kalimantan Deputy Governor Dr. H. Seno Aji, who inspected the plot firsthand, emphasized the importance of replicating agricultural innovations that have proven effective in increasing productivity.

For Politani Samarinda, the success achieved with *Gapoktan Mandiri* reaffirms the institution's commitment to delivering vocational education, innovation, and applied technologies that generate a direct impact on the community.

The 44.83% increase in productivity, combined with the strengthening of farmer institutions, serves as a crucial foundation for fostering an agricultural sector in East Kalimantan that is increasingly productive, self-reliant, sustainable, and empowered. (HUMAS)