Evaluation of irrigation channels in the dry season at Dadahup swamp irrigation area to strengthen food security

Abstract

Dadahup swamp irrigation area is included in the food estate project location. The government has rehabilitated irrigation networks to support the program in 2020. A good agricultural system should be supported by water availability to fulfill irrigation water needs. The obstacle often faced in agriculture is usually the water deficit that occurs in the dry season. Corn is usually cultivated in the dry season to reduce water irrigation demand and cannot be inundated with water for long. This study aims to determine the water availability in the irrigation channels to supply water needs for corn. The Storm Water Management Model is used to perform hydraulic analysis in irrigation channels. The results showed that the water levels ranged from +0.04 m to 0.49 m in irrigation channels, while the ground elevations ranged from +1.12 m to 1.74 m. Due to water levels in the irrigation channels below the ground elevation, the Blok A5 Kanan can be proposed for corn cultivation in the dry season. This study’s outcome will be increased crop productivity, achieving sustainable agriculture.