In the heart of the Riau Islands, Batam is grappling with a silent yet devastating natural disaster: drought. As agricultural productivity wanes and economic stability hangs in the balance, a team of researchers led by Sudra Irawan from Geomatics Engineering Politeknik Negeri Batam has stepped in to shed light on the issue. Their study, published in the ‘JGEET: Journal of Geoscience, Engineering, Environment and Technology’, employs a novel approach to drought management, combining the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Temperature Condition Index (TCT) algorithms to create a comprehensive classification level map of drought potential.
The research is a beacon of hope for the agriculture sector, which has been severely impacted by the drought. “The collective classification of high and very high drought potential levels covers up to 64% of the entire research area,” Irawan explains. This stark revelation underscores the urgency of the situation and the need for targeted interventions.
The study utilized remote sensing and GIS techniques, processing Landsat 8 images to acquire parameters from NDVI, TCT, and Rainfall data. The results were then overlaid to create a detailed map of Batam’s drought potential, divided into five distinct classes. The areas with a very low potential for drought were primarily located in Sagulung, while the areas with high and very high potential for drought were mostly found in Galang, Bulang, and Belakang Padang.
The commercial impacts of this research are profound. By identifying the spatial distribution of drought potential, farmers and agricultural businesses can make informed decisions about crop selection, irrigation strategies, and resource allocation. This proactive approach can mitigate losses and enhance productivity, ensuring economic stability for the region.
Moreover, the research paves the way for future developments in the field of drought management. The combined NDVI-TCT algorithm offers a robust and reliable method for assessing drought potential, which can be replicated in other regions facing similar challenges. “This study not only provides a solution for Batam but also sets a precedent for drought management strategies worldwide,” Irawan notes.
As the agriculture sector continues to grapple with the impacts of climate change, innovative solutions like this one are crucial. The research led by Sudra Irawan from Geomatics Engineering Politeknik Negeri Batam, published in the ‘JGEET: Journal of Geoscience, Engineering, Environment and Technology’, is a testament to the power of technology and data in addressing real-world problems. It offers a glimmer of hope for a more resilient and sustainable future.