Transforming Livelihoods Through YBTS Demonstration Plots

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Transforming Livelihoods Through YBTS Demonstration Plots

For Yayasan Bina Tani Sejahtera (YBTS), a demonstration plot (demplot) is more than just a showcase for healthy plants. Instead, it serves as an impact evaluation instrument proving that the combination of high-quality seeds and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) can significantly improve farmer welfare.  The year 2025 witnessed the transformation of thousands of farmers across various regions of Indonesia through this program. Below are a summary of the achievements and their impacts. 

Program Achievements 

Throughout 2025, YBTS assisted 3,382 farmers cultivating 33 different types of crops. Key highlights regarding participation include:  

  • Youth Regeneration: A significant 72% of total participants participated in the youth category.  
  • Women’s Participation: Female farmers accounted for 30% of the involvement in these activities.  
  • Leading Commodities: Tomatoes, long beans, and cucumbers were the primary choices due to stable market demand and the potential for fast income turnover.  

Success Factors 

Effectiveness in the field was supported by four main technical pillars:  

  • Adoption of High-Quality Seeds: 100% of assisted farmers adopted certified seeds to minimize the risk of crop failure from the very beginning.
  • Input Efficiency: 62% of farmers successfully reduced pesticide costs to below 15% of total production costs through rational and controlled pest management.
  • Environmental Responsibility: 513 farmers began managing plastic mulch waste by establishing on-site disposal pits for burial.
  • Yield Optimization: Data shows a consistent improvement in harvest performance through the third planting season.

Economic Impact  

The primary objective of YBTS is to improve the standard of living for farming families.

  • Daily Income: The average daily income for farmers was recorded at Rp 60,083.
  • Regional Potential: In certain regions like Papua, income reached even higher levels due to premium market prices and land expansion.
  • Success Story: One notable example is Donata Bangus, a farmer in Manggarai who earned a total income of Rp 25,022,000 over three seasons from a 500 m² plot.

Applied Innovation  

YBTS also introduced Biochar technology as a solution for land sustainability. The results were significant:

  • High Productivity: Ibu Fatonah in Grobogan increased her bitter gourd harvest to 3,478 kg on a biochar plot, compared to only 1,923 kg on a conventional plot.
  • Cost Efficiency: Using this technology can save up to 50% on chemical fertilizer usage.

Demonstration plot activities have become an effective bridge between knowledge transfer and increased prosperity. With the right approach, the agricultural sector can become a productive and sustainable livelihood for the community.  

Gain deeper insights into our field achievements and other inspiring stories by reading the full YBTS 2025 Annual Report at the following link: YBTS 2025 Annual Report.

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