Ngadas Village in Poncokusumo District, Malang Regency, is a hub for potato farming, with nearly every household cultivating the crop due to its stable market prices. Farmers like Temuk, 58, manage multiple plots, producing 7–7.5 tons per harvest from 3,000-square-meter fields. However, extreme weather—unpredictable fog, temperature fluctuations, and heavy rains—has intensified, demanding extra care and threatening productivity.
The Growing Impact of Extreme Weather on Potato Yields
Climate change is exacerbating weather instability, directly affecting potato crops, which are sensitive to temperature and moisture variations. According to the Indonesian Agency for Meteorological, Climatological, and Geophysics (BMKG), East Java has experienced a 15–20% increase in extreme weather events over the past decade. Similarly, a 2023 FAO report highlights that erratic rainfall and prolonged fog can reduce potato yields by 10–30%, depending on crop stage.
In Ngadas, persistent morning fog disrupts photosynthesis, while unseasonal rains increase the risk of late blight (Phytophthora infestans), a devastating fungal disease. Without adaptive measures, farmers face declining harvests despite their expertise.
Adaptation Strategies for Resilient Potato Farming
- Climate-Smart Cultivation:
- Implementing drought and disease-resistant potato varieties (e.g., Atlantic or Granola variants) can mitigate losses.
- Mulching and drip irrigation help regulate soil moisture during erratic rainfall.
- Weather Forecasting & Early Warning Systems:
- Partnering with BMKG for hyperlocal weather alerts allows farmers to plan planting and harvesting.
- Crop Rotation & Soil Health:
- Rotating potatoes with legumes or cereals reduces pest buildup and improves soil fertility.
- Government & Institutional Support:
- Subsidies for greenhouses or protective netting could shield crops from excessive fog and rain.
Securing the Future of Potato Farming
Ngadas farmers’ reliance on potatoes underscores the need for urgent climate adaptation. By integrating resistant varieties, precision agriculture, and policy support, farmers can sustain productivity despite worsening weather extremes. Collaboration between scientists, agronomists, and policymakers will be key to safeguarding this vital agricultural sector.
