Sepundu Hantu village is a forest-dependent community in the upper regions of Seruyan district, where the local community farms using dryland rice, as well as raising chickens and pigs.

As indigenous farmers, they have historically farmed using swidden practices, where burning is used to clear the land. A national ban on burning in agriculture, initiated at the end of 2015, has meant that farmers need to find new ways to cultivate rice and other grain crops.

We have supported local farmers to adopt new practices and technologies for fire-free agriculture, such as the use of organic fertilizers.

• Quote: “We, as local farmers, hope to be taught how to practice fire-free agriculture that is safer and more environmentally sustainable to increase market opportunities.”-- Mr. Tiwan, Datah Hayo Community in Sapundu Hantu Village

The Details:
Number of farmers supported : 15 farmers
Total land area intervened : 5 hectares
Technology introduced : Organic farming
Impact : Not yet
Lessons learned :
Organic farming practices need to be developed more broadly, not only limited to using organic fertilizers but also produced with organic pesticides, insecticides and herbicides for sustainable agricultural products.