MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM - The government continues to strengthen the agricultural sector through the development of irrigation infrastructure. In the 2026 fiscal year, Deli Serdang Regency is set to receive the construction and rehabilitation of irrigation systems at a total of 57 locations under the Accelerated Program for Irrigation Water Use Improvement (P3-TGAI). The program is part of the government's efforts to ensure reliable water supply for agricultural land while increasing farmers' productivity.
The information was conveyed during the socialization of the P3-TGAI working area program for the 2026 fiscal year, held on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at the ballroom of Aryaduta Hotel Medan. The event brought together various stakeholders, including the Regional Secretary of Deli Serdang, Dedi Maswardy S.Sos., M.AP.
Strategic Program for National Food Security
The P3-TGAI program, implemented by the BBWS Sumatera II Medan (Balai Besar Wilayah Sungai Sumatera II Medan), is one of the government's strategic initiatives to support national food security. Through this program, secondary and tertiary irrigation networks are improved, playing a crucial role in the success of the agricultural sector.
Efficient irrigation infrastructure is essential to ensure stable water distribution to farmlands. Beyond increasing crop yields, improved irrigation systems also enable farmers to better plan planting cycles and expand productive agricultural areas.
Farmer-Based Participatory Approach in Implementation
BBWS Sumatera II Medan implements the P3-TGAI program using a community-based approach, directly involving farmers in construction and rehabilitation activities.
The implementation is carried out through a self-management scheme involving Water User Associations (Perkumpulan Petani Pemakai Air/P3A), their federations (GP3A), and apex organizations (IP3A). This system positions farmer groups as direct implementers in the field without conventional procurement mechanisms.
Strengthening Farmers' Responsibility and Ownership
The active involvement of farmers is expected to foster a stronger sense of ownership over the infrastructure. At the same time, this participatory model enhances the maintenance of irrigation facilities after construction is completed.
Head of BBWS Sumatera II Medan, represented by the Head of Operations and Maintenance Division, Ali Cahyadi, stated that P3A are democratically formed farmer organizations responsible for managing, maintaining, and optimizing tertiary irrigation networks in their respective areas.
KEY ROLE OF P3A: Head of Operations and Maintenance Division of BBWS Sumatera II Medan, Ali Cahyadi, explains the important role of Water User Associations (P3A) in managing and maintaining irrigation infrastructure under the P3-TGAI program. (PHOTO: Edi Saputra)
Focus on Modernization of Irrigation Systems
The P3-TGAI program includes various works aimed at improving irrigation functionality in agricultural areas, including sediment removal in canals, repairs of simple irrigation structures, reinforcement of embankments, and rehabilitation of supporting hydraulic infrastructure.
Infrastructure Maintenance and Restoration
In addition, the program also covers the repair of water structures and supporting facilities such as culverts, small bridges, and inspection roads that support irrigation operation and maintenance.
Many of these facilities have lost functionality due to sedimentation, structural damage, or age-related deterioration. Without intervention, this could disrupt water distribution and negatively affect agricultural productivity.
Boosting Productivity and Strengthening Food Security
The program is not only focused on physical infrastructure development but also aims to deliver economic and social benefits to farmers. Improved irrigation is expected to increase planting intensity and enable multiple harvests per year.
This will help reduce the risk of crop failure due to water shortages while increasing overall agricultural output. Higher yields will strengthen both the local economy and national food security.
Ali Cahyadi emphasized the importance of targeted implementation. "I hope that the improvements under the P3-TGAI program are implemented selectively and effectively to strengthen regional development, irrigation services, land expansion, and the sustainable quality of irrigation networks," he said.
The Deli Serdang Regency Government welcomed the program's implementation. The 57 planned projects in 2026 are expected to further strengthen agricultural infrastructure in the region.
Local authorities also expect transparent, accurate, and accountable implementation. Through close monitoring and active community participation, the irrigation infrastructure is expected to deliver long-term benefits for farmers across villages and districts in Deli Serdang.
Through collaboration between the central government, regional authorities, and farmer groups, the P3-TGAI program is regarded as a key solution to improving irrigation quality and strengthening food security. Its success is seen as a decisive factor in advancing a productive, competitive, and sustainable agricultural sector in Deli Serdang. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Edi Saputra | EDITOR: Fik Sagala