Banjarnegara Farmers Manage Redistributed Land

The Banjarnegara Community Farmers Association (HITAMBARA) is a farmer organization that has been fighting for the rights to 2013 hectares of abandoned land that used to be a coffee plantation since 76,6. After years of struggle, in 2020, with the support of the Agrarian Reform Consortium, farmers succeeded in reclaiming part of the land through a land redistribution policy.

After their success, they started planting tubers, cardamom, cassava, bananas. However, these types of plants are less suitable for hilly soils that are prone to landslides and have difficulty maintaining moisture. In addition, farmers also face wild boar pests, limited water, and minor erosion in the planting area, which often leads to crop failure.

To overcome this problem, farmers have switched to agroforestry systems, replacing short-lived crops with long-lived perennials that are more suited to land conditions, namely durian avocado interspersed with coffee. This transition is a form of their adaptation to increase crop yields, reduce the risk of crop failure due to pests and weather, and maintain soil structure so that it is not easily eroded.

In 2024, farmers have started this effort by submitting a request for assistance for durian and avocado seedlings to the plantation office for 105 trees, but the number of seedlings obtained is not enough to meet the needs. That is why with the support of the Nusantara Fund Direct Funding, HITAMBARA continues its efforts to increase agricultural productivity with methods that are more appropriate to land conditions.

In the implementation of the program, 10.492 seedlings have been planted on the redistribution land, consisting of 775 durians, 7.987 coffees, and 1.730 avocados. Hardy plants tend to be more resistant to pests and weather and help maintain the environment. In addition to planting seedlings, farmers receive training to improve skills in various aspects of agriculture.

The training includes selecting superior seeds, land cultivation, arranging planting distances, and proper planting techniques so that plants grow optimally. Farmers also learn plant care, including fertilization and pruning to increase yields. In addition, they understand proper harvesting techniques and how to handle fruit after harvest to maintain its quality.

Through this training, farmers are becoming more independent in managing the redistributed land that they have fought so hard for. The program also encourages new initiatives to utilize the land as a pilot area for agrotourism, opening up additional economic opportunities for the community.