Amid the challenges of limited agricultural land availability and the increasing risk of flooding in various regions of Indonesia, Gerakan Indonesia Menanam (GERINA) introduces a simple yet effective innovative solution called Si Opung (Solusi Olah Padi Terapung or Floating Rice Cultivation Solution).
Si Opung is a rice cultivation method that utilizes ponds or stagnant water areas by applying a floating raft system. This method is highly suitable for locations with available ponds or flooded land, such as Islamic boarding schools, mosques, households with fishponds, or areas affected by seasonal flooding.
This innovation aims to expand agricultural opportunities even under less-than-ideal land conditions while serving as an adaptation strategy to address increasingly extreme climate challenges.
Simple Technology, Remarkable Impact
The Si Opung system utilizes affordable and easily accessible materials:
- Bamboo rafts or other floating materials as planting platforms
- Plastic cups or pots containing growing media (soil and compost)
- Pond water as an additional source of nutrients
Rice seeds are planted in cups or pots, which are then arranged neatly on floating rafts and allowed to float on the water surface. This system enables rice roots to absorb water and nutrients effectively while reducing the risk of drought stress or excessive waterlogging.
Si Opung is part of GERINA’s mission to introduce innovative cultivation methods while creating a bridge between local knowledge, community needs, and environmental challenges. Through an inclusive and practical approach, this method is expected to be expanded to various regions and potentially become a future model for urban rice cultivation.
