Decline in Rice Harvest Area in Bali: BPS Report Insights

Denpasar, Bali – The Central Statistics Agency (BPS) Bali has reported a significant decline in the area harvested for rice throughout 2024, attributing this decrease to various factors impacting agricultural productivity. On Monday, March 3, 2025, Acting Head of BPS Bali, Kadek Agus Wirawan, elaborated on these findings during a press conference in Denpasar.

Factors Influencing Decrease in Rice Harvest Area

Kadek Agus indicated that the reduction in rice harvesting is influenced primarily by climatic conditions and agricultural practices. "The area harvested, based on our observations, is dependent on weather conditions and the agricultural fields’ inability to maximize production," he explained.

Another pressing issue contributing to this trend is the temporary shift in employment among farmers. Many farmers have turned to alternate sectors that may provide more lucrative income opportunities, which often leads them to pause their rice cultivation efforts temporarily.

Statistical Overview of Rice Harvest

According to BPS Bali, the total area harvested for rice in 2024 was recorded at 103,800 hectares, representing a 4.34 percent decrease from 2023’s figures of 108,510 hectares. This decline became particularly noticeable during the third sub-round of 2024, from September to December, where the harvested area fell from 33,690 hectares in the same period of 2023 to 32,820 hectares.

This contraction in harvested area has directly impacted the overall rice production for the year. The total production for 2024 decreased by 5.66 percent, falling from 673,580 tons in 2023 to 635,470 tons in 2024. ## Glimmers of Optimism for Future Harvests

Despite the declining trends observed, Kadek Agus mentioned some positive projections regarding the potential rice harvest area for the first sub-round of January to April 2025. Preliminary assessments indicate a potential increase, estimating a harvested area of 31,460 hectares, which marks a 13.09 percent rise from 27,820 hectares during the same time in the previous year.

Kadek Agus detailed that the calculations for harvested area and rice production in Bali employ a methodology based on area frame sampling (KSA) surveys and related subsector surveys. To accurately assess the size of the cultivated land, data is sourced from agricultural executive records. “Realistically, the records from the agricultural department confirm a decrease in the area of rice farmland,” he noted.

Conclusion

The evolving agricultural landscape in Bali, influenced by both environmental factors and shifts in farming practices, presents challenges for rice production. However, early indicators for the upcoming months show promise, suggesting a potential turnaround in the harvested area. As the region navigates these fluctuations, ongoing monitoring and adaptive agricultural strategies will be essential for sustaining Bali’s rice production and supporting local farmers.

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