Jakarta, June 18 -- Indonesia is expanding irrigation infrastructure and water conservation projects to protect rice production from potential El Nino-induced drought and support the government's target of increasing output by 1 million metric tons in 2026.

The Ministry of Agriculture is seeking to maintain production gains recorded in 2025 through land intensification and expansion programs, Secretary of the Directorate General of Agricultural Land and Irrigation Dhani Gartina said on Thursday.

With El Nino and prolonged dry conditions expected to affect several farming regions, ensuring adequate water supplies has become a key part of the government's food security strategy.

Through the Directorate General of Agricultural Land and Ir...