More than 93% of families in Indonesia consume rice daily and the average Indonesian consumes about 114kg of rice a year. It’s also a crucial part of Indonesia’s economy, but farmers have been using chemical fertilisers for years and rely on subsidized fertilisers from the government. As a mission to reduce environmental impact through rice cultivation, Rikolto introduces farmers to more eco-friendly cultivation methods.
ALTERNATIVE PARAGRAPH
Such as many different regions in the world, Indonesia’s farmers population is aging. As a result of limited farmland and the little financial reward, the involvement of young generations is declining. Although, women make essential contributions to rice farming, when it comes to decision-making, they are often excluded. Climate change also takes a toll on the quality of rice. Droughts and unexpected heavy rainfall affect the rice production and quality.
Farmers organisations have become more advanced in doing their businesses through creative marketing methods. Therefore farmers organisations can absorb their members' products to the fullest. The growing business also is shown to attract non-member farmers to get involved in the organisations, as well as lures young people and women to participate in the business and capacity-building activities.
Youth as an essential part of the rice programme has been receiving various training from rice cultivation to marketing. From some discussions conducted with young people, they shared positive experience after attending the organic youth camp. The youth camp aims to introduce sustainable agriculture system and agribusiness to young people.
In 2020, around 2,684 farmers received benefits from our interventions. We work together with two associations: Boyolali Organic Rice Association (APOB) and Alliance of Boyolali Organic Rice Farmers (KOPAPPOLI).
