Groundwater Well Assessment for Agricultural Productivity - Palladium - AIP - PRISMA / DFAT - Bappenas in Madura, East Java

Empowering Smallholder Farmers Through Sustainable Water Access

Client: Palladium Group - PRISMA - Australia Indonesia Partnership for Promoting Rural Incomes through Support for Markets in Agriculture (DFAT and Bappenas)
Location: Madura, East Java, Indonesia
Sector: Agriculture and Rural Development
Services Provided: Groundwater Well Assessment, Borehole Camera Inspection, Community Awareness and Training
Project Timeline: 2022

Executive Summary

SUPRA was engaged by Palladium and PRISMA, a strategic partnership between the Australian Government (DFAT) and the Indonesian Government (Bappenas), to carry out groundwater well assessment in Madura’s agricultural districts. This initiative aimed to restore and optimize existing irrigation wells that are vital for smallholder farmers, whose livelihoods depend heavily on reliable water supply. The project addressed critical barriers to productivity by combining technical diagnostics, hydrogeological expertise and farmer education. Through advanced inspections and community engagement, SUPRA ensured that improvements in water access are sustainable, cost-effective and beneficial for rural economic growth.

Project Context

Madura’s agriculture is highly dependent on groundwater as a primary irrigation source. Over time, many wells in the region have suffered from reduced yield, contamination, or complete failure due to neglect, sediment buildup and aging infrastructure. These limitations have constrained planting cycles, reduced harvests and created financial strain on smallholder farmers.

Recognizing that water access is a key driver for agricultural competitiveness, PRISMA initiated this project in collaboration with Bappeda and the local Department of Agriculture (Dinas Pertanian). The goal was not only to identify wells suitable for rehabilitation but also to embed knowledge within the community on sustainable groundwater management.

Project Challenges

The assessment revealed several systemic findings:

• Many wells were structurally damaged or clogged with silt


• Lack of preventive maintenance protocols among local operators


• Limited community awareness of sustainable water management practices


• Climate variability affecting recharge rates and seasonal water availability

These issues meant that without technical intervention and training, farmers would continue facing unpredictable irrigation supply, directly impacting their productivity and income.

Our Approach

SUPRA applied a integrated methodology that addressed both technical and social dimensions of the problem. Borehole cameras were used to inspect well depth, casing condition and blockages, while hydrogeological yield tests measured water availability and quality. Local technicians received hands-on training in well maintenance, ensuring operational knowledge remains within the community. We also conducted community awareness sessions, highlighting the importance of sustainable groundwater use, the risks of over-extraction, and practical ways to monitor and maintain well performance. This integrated approach ensured that the project’s benefits extend far beyond the assessment phase.

Key Findings and Strategic Impact

The findings indicated that more than half of the surveyed wells could be restored with low-cost interventions such as cleaning, pump servicing and re-casing. In rehabilitated wells, water quality met agricultural standards, enabling farmers to irrigate consistently and expand crop cycles.

Strategically, the project delivers long-term benefits:

• Reliable irrigation supports higher agricultural productivity


• Increased yields improve farmer incomes and market access


• Strengthened local capacity reduces dependency on external technicians


• Sustainable groundwater use aligns with climate resilience and food security goals