graduated from Muara Bungo Academy of Agriculture in Jambi. She went back to her village, Nagari Sumpur Kudus, a place tucked in the belt of Bukit Barisan mountain in West Sumatra.
For three planting periods already, Uni (sister) Yuli developed organic farming together with the farmers in Sumpur Kudus. “I don’t own any rice fields, I only plant vegetables in my front yard,” Yuli said.
Even though she does not own any rice fields, Yuli still actively involved in organisation. She joined Organic Farmers’ Group as a Secretary when the group was newly-formed in 2017. She did not hesitate to attend the meetings until late at night. “I participated in Field School, learning on how to do organic rice farming properly.” The Field School was facilitated by KKI Warsi.
How happy she was, after three planting periods, organic rice harvest in Sumpur Kudus has always been satisfying. Yields were increased from 4.3 tons to 7 tons per hectare. “Even the soil looks different. Organic rice field has a darker soil colour and more fertile. It seemed like the earth is grateful” It is totally different from the conventional rice fields where the soil is usually yellowish and dry after the harvest. “Almost like the ground has been raped.” In Nagari, the people agreed to plant rice twice a year (other places do it for 3 to 4 times a year). “It is the tradition of Nagari. We want the earth to have a break too.”
How about the income after switching to organic rice farming?
It is not about income, that is not Yuli’s and Sumpur Kudus’ farmers’ goal. “It is more to fulfill the family daily needs.” The accumulated harvest will be counted, then split by family for one planting season need. “We do not let our best yield being sold outside while we feed our family with bad quality of rice or instant noodles.”
For Yuli Mardona, organic farming is more about food security. “So my son, Adzan, and children of the farmers can grow healthily. Farmers are also not depending on chemical fertilizer.” So cool, Uni!
