From Dialogue to Harvest, YBTS and Sambawofuar Farmers Grow Together
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Yayasan Bina Tani Sejahtera (YBTS) continues to strengthen its commitment to supporting Papuan farmers through a collaborative knowledge transfer activities. Most recently, YBTS facilitated a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) with local farmers in Sambawofuar Village, Samofa District, Biak Numfor Regency, Papua.
The FGD took place at the demonstration plot (demplot) owned by Pak Yosep Sarewo, carrying the theme “Growing and Succeeding Together with YBTS through Knowledge Transfer and Next Level Approach.” A total of 28 participants attended, including prospective demplot farmers, assisted farmers, and sustainable farmers already working with YBTS. They came together to discuss, learn, and support each other in a spirit of mutual growth.
The event opened with warm remarks from two key figures: the Head of the Papua Province Seed Inspection and Certification Agency and the Head of the Biak Numfor District Agriculture Office. Their presence inspired and encouraged participants to engage in open dialogue about on-the-ground challenges.
The farmers (participant) of the FGD were listening attentively to the direction before discussion started.
Participants were divided into four discussion groups covering critical topics: market access, seedling and nursery techniques, fertilization techniques, and integrated pests and disease management (IPM). The discussions were lively with farmers actively exchanging experiences, raising issues, and collectively identifying solutions relevant to their context. Despite a brief downpour, enthusiasm remained high thorugh the session.
The discussion between farmers to understand their agricultural problems and how to solve it.
YBTS believes that knowledge is not a one-way transfer from the top down but grows organically through shared experiences and respectful dialogue among farmers. This is the heart of YBTS’s knowledge transfer approach—where knowledge thrives within the community.
All farmers joined the harvest.
To close the activity, all participants joined a harvest of Nauli variety of Pakcoy at the demplot site. The harvest was joyful, filled with proud smiles, laughter, and gratitude. This moment served as a tangible celebration of the learning journey and the practical results achieved through improved farming practices.
The participants were happy after joined the FGD and harvest activity.
Through this FGD, YBTS hopes that farmers in Sambawofuar Village will continue to grow, become more empowered, and make a positive impact in their communities. Because growing together is the key to sustainable agriculture.
Other Knowledge Transfer
Farmer Field Day: Advancing Sustainable Agriculture Through Biochar Adoption
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At the Farmer Field Day (FFD) in Batang Regency, farmers experienced firsthand the transformative impact of biochar technology in improving soil health, boosting yields, and reducing carbon emissions. Supported by the WRI-P4G initiative, this collaboration between WasteX, Yayasan Bina Tani Sejahtera (YBTS), and AdaKarbon empowers smallholder farmers with sustainable solutions for a more resilient agricultural future. Through knowledge-sharing, hands-on demonstrations, and strong stakeholder support, the event marked an important milestone in advancing climate-smart farming in Indonesia.
From Organic Waste to Valuable Biochar, A Visit to Biochar Facility in Batang Yayasan
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The article is written by Tessa Horrocks (University of Western Australia), an ACICIS Student Intern at YBTS (January-February 2025) Our internship at Yayasan Bina Tani Sejahtera (YBTS) brought us to the biochar facility in Batang, Central Java. The biochar facility is installed with carbonizer machines built by WasteX (start-up tech company) to produce biochar. WasteX […]
In January 2024, I had the privilege of being part of a meaningful journey alongside Stuart Morris (Director of East-West Seed Knowledge Transfer Foundation), Flip Van Koesveld (Advisor to the Board of Trustee at East-West Seed Knowledge Transfer Foundation), and the dedicated Management Team of YBTS, Edwin S. Saragih (Chairman) and Arga Wisnu Pradana (Assistant Manager). Our mission aimed to connect with and learn from […]
The winner is someone who has experienced failures but rise again
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Daniel Malo Umbu Pati, or Dani, is a Field Agricultural Extension Officer (PPL) in West Wewewa District who actively supports farmers in three villages through the PERMATA program with Yayasan Bina Tani Sejahtera (YBTS). With cross-sector experience and training from YBTS, Dani continues to enhance his skills in agriculture and horticulture. As a speaker in various media platforms, he shares knowledge and motivation with farmers, driven by his vision of making Southwest Sumba a center for agricultural production. Dani believes that hard work and sharing knowledge will bring positive changes to farmers and their communities.
