IPB tests 2 water-saving rice varieties in Merauke dry season
IPB 15S and IPB 9G were trialed on 4 hectares, with yields of 9.09-10.16 tons per hectare, above Inpari 32.
Institut Pertanian Bogor is testing two water-saving rice varieties, IPB 9G and IPB 15S, in the Salor Transmigration Area, Merauke Regency, South Papua, to prepare for the dry season and tidal seawater. The trial was carried out on a 4-hectare demonstration plot in Kurik District on 21 September 2026. Local farmers have mostly planted Inpari 32, which yields about 5-6 tons of harvested dry grain per hectare. IPB 15S is said to have the potential to produce 10.16 tons per hectare, while IPB 9G could reach 9.09 tons. The program targets 50-100 farmers in Gapoktan Harapan Makmur, which covers 12 farmer groups. The first harvest is expected in the second week of January 2027.