Jakarta, April 17 -- Indonesia's Ministry of Agriculture is strengthening its pump-based irrigation program to boost Indonesia's agricultural productivity.

Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman said that improved water management has significantly changed farming patterns, particularly in upland areas, increasing crop cycles from one harvest to two or three per year.

"This policy is key to driving production growth without relying entirely on land expansion," he said during a visit to Magelang, Central Java, on Thursday.

During the visit, he observed a 5,000-liter irrigation system currently irrigating about 20 hectares, which has delivered tangible benefits for local farmers.

"This is a very creative approach. What was once a single harvest i...