The dynamic atmosphere of the fields, warm discussions, enthusiastic participants observing leaf structures, and hands becoming familiar with seeds are everyday scenes at the Learning Farm of Yayasan Bina Tani Sejahtera (YBTS). At this training center, participants do not simply absorb theory in a classroom; they are directly involved in every stage of cultivation through practical, hands-on learning.
Through an experiential learning approach, Learning Farm serves as an open educational space that helps communities understand agriculture in a real, practical, and accessible way. From seedling production and monitoring vegetative growth to identifying pest management challenges, the entire curriculum is delivered through direct field experience. Today, YBTS Learning Farms in Ambon and Sorong continue to expand their reach by offering contextual learning methods tailored to local conditions and farmers’ specific needs.
Building Independence and Interactive Learning in Ambon
At Learning Farm Ambon, participants are encouraged to become critical thinkers through intensive guidance from YBTS experts. This transformation of knowledge covers the entire agricultural cycle, including ideal soil preparation, precision nutrient management, routine crop maintenance, and effective harvesting techniques to ensure product quality.
What makes the program unique is that the classroom extends into nature itself. Discussions take place directly in the field, where farmers exchange experiences, evaluate crop anomalies, and formulate solutions for preventing plant pest and disease problems. The facility also regularly hosts Farmers Field Days as a platform for interactive educational activities. The impact has been remarkable, significantly increasing participants’ confidence in managing their own farms independently.
One inspiring success story comes from Mr. Wan, a young farmer whose tomato and chili productivity was once far below optimal levels. After diligently applying the knowledge gained through Learning Farm, he transformed his cultivation practices. In the following planting season, he successfully harvested 1.5 tons of fresh chili peppers from a 2,000 m² plot with approximately 2,800 plants, generating revenue of around IDR 65 million. Today, he has not only achieved financial independence but also become a mentor and reference for fellow farmers implementing Good Agricultural Practices (GAP).
Harmonizing Collaboration Across Cultures in Sorong
Further east, Learning Farm Sorong offers a collaborative learning environment rooted in human values. Migrant farmers and Indigenous Papuan (OAP) farmers come together without barriers, sharing local wisdom, farming traditions, and strategies for overcoming the geographical challenges of Papua’s agricultural landscape.
Knowledge transfer is strengthened through direct visual observation in the field. One of the featured programs is a demonstration plot for sweet corn cultivation. The technology introduced through the Learning Farm was successfully adopted by Mr. Suparjono. By applying modern cultivation techniques, the average weight of his sweet corn harvest increased by up to 30% compared to conventional methods. This achievement demonstrates how precision agriculture technologies can contribute to improving farmers’ livelihoods.
Grounding Agriculture for the Future
Learning Farm YBTS has successfully challenged the perception that agriculture is rigid and complicated. Through practical experience, farming becomes engaging, relevant, and adaptable to everyday needs. Beyond being a place of production, it serves as a space where curiosity grows, innovation is encouraged, and self-confidence is strengthened.
For those who wish to experience the pulse of modern agriculture firsthand, YBTS Learning Farms are open to the public:
For more information about educational programs and activities, visit www.info.binatani.or.id.
This article was published in iHorti Magazine 190/Vol. 5/Year XVII.
