Holding Land and Sea Tightly in Kalasey II

The Local Farmers Organization (OTL) of Kalasey II Village is part of the Minahasa Farmers Union (STM). The majority of its members are traditional farmers and fishermen. Since 1982, farmers in this village have been working on former concession land or erfpacht, with bananas as one of the leading commodities. All parts of the banana have economic value, from the fruit, leaves, to the banana heart. The economic potential of bananas is getting stronger because it is supported by fertile soil, suitable topography, and good marketing access because it is close to the district capital.

However, in cultivation, farmers often face crop failure due to seasonal pest attacks that inhibit fertility or even cause banana death. Meanwhile, traditional fishermen on the coast of Kalasey II are constrained by limited fishing gear, which limits their reach to sea to further waters.

In response to this, OTL Kalasey II continues to seek solutions. With the support of the Nusantara Fund Direct Funding, they are implementing various economic strengthening measures, including the distribution of superior banana seeds, technical training in banana cultivation, and management of collective fishing gear.

A total of 200 superior banana seedlings have been distributed to members to be planted on their land. In addition, the procurement of agricultural tools such as grass cutters and pest sprayers was carried out to improve the efficiency of farmers' work. Technical training in cultivation includes plant maintenance, fertilization, post-harvest soil processing, and development of marketing networks to ensure sustainable production in terms of both quantity and quality of the harvest.

In the fisheries sector, Kalasey II fishermen now have access to collective fishing gear, with the provision of boats, boat motors, and nets. This equipment is managed collectively with a rotating loan and maintenance system, ensuring fair use for all members. With this support, fishermen have a greater opportunity to increase their catch. In addition, they are also encouraged to diversify their sources of income through entrepreneurship training, such as processing their catch into value-added products, such as shredded fish and smoked fish.

More than 187 OTL members of Kalasey II Village are now feeling the positive impact of this initiative. They are increasingly resilient in maintaining their livelihoods on land and at sea. Through collective activities such as working together to clear land and share knowledge, solidarity between farmers and fishermen is growing stronger in fighting for and defending their territory.