6-hectare plots in the Seraran Village, Arguni Bawah District of Kaimana, West Papua were prepared by local farmers to grow rice in an organic manner, avoiding the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. 20 local villagers were participated in the land preparation. The paddy field will use rice seeds sourced from a 1-hectare demontration plot managed by Bapa Alif Furu, a participant of the Social Transformation School (STS) conducted by EcoNusa Foundation, last September 2022.
The rice planting, set to begin in early 2024, will follow a rainfed paddy field system, complemented by training sessions on the production of natural fertilizers and pestisides. The expansive 6-hectare land, collectively owned by eight residents of Seraran Village, has an ambitious target of producing 1.4 tons of paddy per hectare. Local cooperative called Tomang Negri Lengguru plans to purchase the harvested rice and support the selling. This initiative marks a significant stride in advancing organic rice cultivation in the region.
Text: Swiny Adestika | Photo: Yulince Zonggonau
