REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE: THE FUTURE FARMING FOR SMALLHOLDERS IN WEST KALIMANTAN, INDONESIA

In the vast landscapes of West Kalimantan, Indonesia, a story of agricultural transformation is unfolding among oil palm smallholder farmers. The members of the Aliansi Petani Kelapa Sawit Keling Kumang (APKS KK - Keling Kumang Oil Palm Smallholders’ Alliance) have embarked on a journey of regenerative farming in Sintang, Sekadau, Sanggau, and Bengkayang districts. It has become the guiding philosophy for these farmers, who are farming in a way that improves soil health and biodiversity, promotes water conservation and rejuvenation, increases CO2 sequestration – and, overall, makes farming more resilient to climate shocks.

"My land used to be a rubber plantation. Through Solidaridad, I learned that regenerative farming using an intercropping system is highly beneficial for oil palm plantations. By implementing this system, I can reduce costs and fertiliser usage. Additionally, these companion plants aid in weed control on the plantation. I have been cultivating chili, string beans, tomatoes, dogfruit, and onions since January 2023, and I can generate additional income from their sales," said Bujang, a farmer in Merarai Satu.

In the realm of oil palm cultivation, where sustainability is paramount, the discourse is moving away from monoculture towards polyculture practices. Around 70 farmers in Merarai Satu village, Sintang district, are practising intercropping, a regenerative agriculture approach. Smallholders with immature estates or those in the replanting phase are finding this intervention particularly helpful in sustaining their livelihoods during the oil palm maturation period.

During the early stages, nurturing oil palm trees is an endeavour laden with challenges. Introducing diverse crops within oil palm estates has proved to be a blessing, providing financial support while preserving soil health. Cucumber, string beans, collard, watermelon, and chili thrive alongside oil palm, creating a harmonious tapestry. Grazing cows in small pastures not only adds to the landscape but also contributes essential manure for organic fertilisers. 

"Since implementing regenerative farming through the cultivation of chili, tomatoes, and eggplants, combined with cattle farming in 2022, I have managed to reduce expenses and the use of chemical fertilisers. Instead, I have shifted to more environmentally friendly organic fertilisers. Beyond the cost savings on chemical fertilisers, I also generate additional income from the sale of chili and vegetables. In each harvest, I can yield 10 kg of chili and 30 kg of eggplants. Moreover, my cattle can obtain feed at no additional cost." Timbul, a farmer from Merarai Satu village, expressed.

Bambang Marius, Programme Coordinator for the West Kalimantan area at Solidaridad Indonesia, explained, "During the transitional period, commonly occurring when farmers enter the replanting phase, a decline in income is often experienced as the estate temporarily remains idle. This transitional phase may extend over several years, allowing the soil to regenerate. Once replanting commences, it takes at least five years for the crops to mature. The introduction of the integrated farming approach based on regenerative agriculture principles provides farmers with the opportunity to generate alternative income through fruit crops, vegetable crops, or livestock during this period."

The benefits—social, economic, and environmental—have kicked off a positive chain reaction in the larger community. 

“Over time, even the less interested farmers began actively participating in the activities. Witnessing the tangible benefits accruing to their more engaged peers, such as accessing funds or government assistance, prompted a shift in mindset among initially indifferent farmers." Nurmanto, Field Officer for the Sintang area, shared his experience approaching farmers’ communities to introduce regenerative farming in their villages. 

"It is a common scenario here. Occasionally, if the outcomes are not evident yet, our interest may be lacking, and many of us might seem indifferent. However, upon witnessing positive progress and experiencing benefits, we tend to become more aware and develop a genuine interest," David, a farmer, and member of Bondo Sepolo Cooperative, admitted. 

For smallholders, agricultural inputs were a financial strain, especially with subsidised fertilisers mainly accessible to cooperatives. The regenerative agriculture framework encouraged the production of organic fertilisers. Livestock, particularly cows, played a dual role in organic fertiliser production and weed management. Yet, the high cost of cows presented a financial hurdle, prompting some to explore alternative compost production using local organic materials. "Since I attended the Solidaridad-organised farmers’ field school, I have gained a deeper understanding of sustainable plantation practices. Previously, we heavily relied on chemical fertilisers to boost productivity, but we now balance this with organic methods to maintain soil quality for sustainable management. Additionally, we have become more judicious in the application of pesticides, adhering to the applicable regulations," Daniel, a resident of Merarai Satu village in Sintang district, explained. 

Building a compost house is one of the methods introduced to smallholder farmers as a solution to reduce the usage of synthetic chemical fertilisers. Utilising available organic materials, such as empty oil palm fruit bunches they obtain from the nearest mills, farmers are taught how to produce their compost. "This compost house is a breath of fresh air for us, oil palm farmers, in the upstream region of Sintang. The limited access to motorable roads often makes it a challenging, and costly proposition to obtain fertilisers. The compost we produce can be considered a solution for farmers engaged in oil palm cultivation and also for other crops," says Darius Anu, leader of the Raja Swa Cooperative in Bangun village, Sintang district. Solidaridad facilitated the Raja Swa Cooperative to build a compound compost house that can cater to up to 28 tonnes of fermented compost. To ensure the supply of empty fruit bunches, the cooperative entered into an agreement with PT Agro Andalan, a sustainability-certified mill in Sekadau district.

"We welcomed the initiative to collaborate for the utilisation of this waste, considering that we sometimes struggle to manage the overwhelming palm oil mill waste, such as the mounting empty fruit bunches in the factory. Fortunately, under our guidance, the cooperative is now willing to process factory waste into compost. However, several aspects need emphasis in this collaboration, such as the method of waste extraction, distribution, and processing. As our factory is already ISPO-certified, we prioritise cautionary principles in such matters to prevent any disruptions when permitting the extraction of factory waste," says Rizaldi, head of the mills. 

As farmers embarked on the replanting phase, Solidaridad's field staff diligently monitored the initiative, navigating challenges such as information gaps, financial constraints, and potential risks. The transition was not without its hurdles, particularly for oil palm, a crop that could not be entirely converted to organic methods. Nevertheless, driven by the promise of regenerative agriculture, farmers reported notable improvements in soil health and productivity.

As of today, 2,000 mentored smallholders bear the regenagri certification, a number poised to rise as success stories spread. The journey is not just about certification; it is a call for smallholders to become carbon farmers, aligning with broader sustainability goals in agriculture. This story from West Kalimantan is about how regenerative agriculture paves the way for a resilient and sustainable future. Billy Hasbi, the Head of Programme Operations at Solidaridad Indonesia, says, "Generally, for global commodities, market-driven emphasis is crucial. If the market requires regenerative practices, all producers will adopt regenerative agriculture, as evidenced by successfully obtaining the regenagri certification.

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