East OKU farmers, South Sumatra Building the Economic Strength of Cooperatives and Agricultural Innovation 

One of South Sumatra Province's food barns is Tanah Merah Village, Belitang Madang Raya District, East Ogan Komering Ulu Regency (East OKU). This village holds significant agricultural potential, but it has not been fully utilized. East OKU farmers face many challenges. They use traditional techniques, knowledge passed down through generations. However, these traditional techniques take longer to achieve maximum agricultural production. Therefore, they need access to agricultural inputs to reduce production time. Furthermore, the majority of villagers depend on agriculture, particularly rice cultivation, which is the primary source of income for the local community.

To address these challenges, the East OKU Farmers Union (Serikat Tani OKU Timur) has taken the initiative to build farmers' economic strength through cooperative education and agricultural innovation. The existence of the East OKU Farmers Union not only ensures land rights but also ensures the sustainability of smallholder agricultural businesses by improving the local economy. Farmers believe that support in terms of capacity building, knowledge, and agricultural infrastructure, such as cooperatives, can bridge the gap between farmers and themselves to develop agricultural products and increase economic value.

Their initiative began with economic capacity-building training, providing knowledge on economic management strategies and productive businesses, encouraging the creation of sustainable business and economic networks, and assisting the community in developing follow-up plans for economic growth. The result was improved community capacity in managing businesses, products, and services, and the formation of stronger local networks. Furthermore, economic strengthening was achieved through the establishment of the East OKU Farmers' Union consumer cooperative as a platform to improve welfare through member economic independence.

Through the construction of self-funded learning centers, the union has a way to regularly implement education, including training in nature-harmonious agriculture, economic capacity building, organizational management, and administration. Nature-harmonious agricultural education opens new avenues for farmers to reduce their dependence on chemical fertilizers and recognize that agricultural waste is a valuable resource.

Furthermore, as part of its commitment to sustainable agriculture, STOT has also initiated the collective construction of a compost house. This compost house serves as a center for processing organic waste into environmentally friendly natural fertilizer that is beneficial for agricultural land. More than just a waste management facility, the compost house symbolizes farmers' independence in building a sustainable agricultural system, reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers, and preserving the environment.