The role of Kampar watershed in achieving sufficient rice production and sustaining agriculture

Abstract

Agriculture is the largest global water consumer, making it crucial to understand its impact on watersheds. This study, conducted in 2023, examines the Kampar watershed in the Riau province, covering Kampar and Pelalawan regencies. It assesses the watershed's suitability for meeting agricultural water needs, particularly for rice cultivation. The study utilizes quantitative methods, applying the Penman–Monteith technique and benefit transfer analysis to measure the water footprint of agriculture. Key indicators include blue water, green water, and gray water footprint. The water footprint in the Kampar watershed is 173.84 m3/ton, with rice cultivation in the Kampar regency having 57.96 m3/ton blue, 32.19 m3/ton green, and 14.52 m3/ton gray water footprints. In the Pelalawan regency, the values were 41.09 m3/ton blue, 25.59 m3/ton green, and 2.49 m3/ton gray water footprints. The findings suggest a significant need for ample water usage from surface and groundwater in both Kampar and Pelalawan regencies for rice cultivation. Regarding the water availability in each district: Kampar regency has 1,063,281,652 m3/year and Pelalawan regency has 987,542,991 m3/year. This surplus in the Kampar watershed ensures sufficient water for rice cultivation in both districts, especially in the Kampar regency. This holds promising further agricultural development in the Riau province.