Hundreds of farmers in Klaten, Central Java, have converted from using chemical fertilizers and pesticides to organic ones.At present, 75% use the organic fertilizers as part of their farming methods. The reason why they switched over is because chemical fertilizers is expensive and is harmful to people and the environment.
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Concerned with the condition, Juwandi (leader of the Tani Mulyo farming group) and a number of community figures worked to develop an eco-friendly but profitable farming practice over the past year by joining the Tani Mulyo farming group. Assisted by bottled water producer Aqua and the Bina Swadaya NGO, they set up a lab last year to conduct tests as well as produce organic fertilizer from cattle and buffalo manure. After conducting tests for almost a year, they implemented the green farming method on seven of 85 hectares of rice fields at the end of last year with a mixed planting system, using 50 percent chemical and 50 percent organic fertilizers. Based on the harvest, production experienced between a 10 and 15 percent drop. A 1,700-square-meter plot using chemical fertilizer produced 0.85 tons of rice with a Rp 6,000-kilogram sale price, while the use of organic fertilizer produced 0.8 tons of rice at the higher Rp 7,000-kilogram sale price. There was not much difference in yield and the concern that the system would create a drop in the production by 30% was not proven so as many as 75% of the 450 farmers, who are grouped in the Tani Mulyo, are expected to apply for the eco-friendly planting pattern on about 85 hectares of their farmland by 2012.
So I say let's support these organic rice farmers by buying their products and eating them! It'll be better to if it's brown rice :) It is the healthier choice ;) Way to go Java!
Tips of the day: Support your local farmers and buy local products to cut down on your carbon footprint.
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