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Summary

In this video, Bendil Sumarno, an organic rice farmer from Ngawi, shares his journey of transitioning from conventional to organic farming. He highlights the benefits of organic rice cultivation, including reduced production costs, improved crop quality, and a healthier environment. By focusing on natural fertilizers and pest control, he demonstrates that organic farming can yield comparable, if not better, results than conventional methods. He also discusses the economic potential of organic rice, including higher market prices and a growing demand. Bendil encourages others to embrace sustainable farming practices and offers support for those interested in learning more.

Takeaways

• 😀 Organic farming aligns with nature, reducing production costs and environmental impact.
• 😀 Bendil Sumarno, an organic rice farmer from Ngawi, switched from conventional to organic farming in 2013 after experiencing the high costs and low profits of conventional methods.
• 😀 After transitioning to organic farming, Sumarno found that organic rice yields could match conventional farming yields while reducing costs and improving sustainability.
• 😀 Organic rice does not use synthetic chemical fertilizers or pesticides. Instead, farmers create their own compost and pest control methods.
• 😀 The quality of organic rice is superior, with fresher leaves and fuller rice grains, compared to conventional rice which suffers from pest damage and premature drying of leaves.
• 😀 Organic farming can be easier to manage than conventional farming, as everything, from compost to pest control, can be made and managed by the farmer.
• 😀 Organic rice farming can produce a higher yield than conventional farming, especially in terms of post-harvest processing and rice milling.
• 😀 Organic rice is healthier and fetches a higher price in the market compared to conventionally grown rice, with a price of up to IDR 18,000 per kilogram for premium varieties.
• 😀 Key factors in successful organic rice farming include using compost made from local resources like animal manure, plant residues, and rice straw.
• 😀 Organic rice farming emphasizes balanced nutrition for stronger plants, which results in better resistance to wind and pests and stronger stalks that do not easily fall over.
• 😀 The process of growing organic rice includes techniques like rotating irrigation, using natural pest controls, and avoiding over-watering to prevent soil acidity, all of which contribute to healthier crops.

Q & A

What is the main focus of Bendil Sumarno's farming approach?

Bendil Sumarno focuses on organic rice farming that is in harmony with nature, reducing production costs, and improving the financial outcomes of farming through sustainable and eco-friendly practices.

What prompted Bendil Sumarno to transition from conventional to organic farming?

After practicing conventional rice farming for three seasons, Bendil found that the profits were very low due to rising production costs. He saw potential in organic farming, believing it would reduce costs and provide higher profits.

How does organic farming differ from conventional rice farming in terms of pesticide and fertilizer usage?

In organic farming, no synthetic chemicals such as fertilizers and pesticides are used. Instead, organic rice is grown with natural compost and organic pest control methods.

What benefits does organic rice farming offer compared to conventional farming in terms of plant health?

Organic rice farming leads to healthier plants, with fresher leaves and fuller grain filling. The absence of synthetic chemicals helps prevent premature leaf drying and plant stress.

How does organic rice farming affect the yield and profitability compared to conventional methods?

Organic farming in Bendil's experience has produced yields comparable to conventional farming, with higher productivity in some seasons. The quality of organic rice also commands higher market prices, making it more profitable.

What are some of the key challenges faced by Bendil Sumarno when transitioning to organic farming?

Bendil faced skepticism from other farmers and even his family, as organic farming practices were unfamiliar and perceived as difficult. Overcoming this doubt required practical demonstration and commitment to organic principles.

What types of compost does Bendil Sumarno use in his organic farming practice?

Bendil uses compost made from locally available materials, such as animal manure (cow or goat), plant leaves, and rice straw. He also adds 20% rice husk charcoal during the composting process for better soil enrichment.

How does Bendil manage pest control in organic rice farming without using synthetic pesticides?

Bendil relies on natural predators like ladybugs, which consume pests like rice planthoppers. He also employs natural methods like garlic sprays and other homemade organic solutions to control pests and diseases.

What role does water management play in Bendil's organic rice farming method?

In Bendil’s organic rice farming, water is managed carefully. Instead of continuously flooding the fields, he practices intermittent flooding to avoid soil acidity and promote healthy plant growth.

How does Bendil ensure the quality of his organic rice seeds?

Bendil ensures high-quality organic rice seeds by selecting full and healthy grains. He separates good seeds from bad ones by using a salting technique, where seeds that float in a saltwater solution are discarded, and the ones that sink are used.