Stories of Change: Balancing Nature and Human Needs

Maskur (41), a natural rubber smallholder farmer in Kapuas Hulu. Prior to the SASCI project, I cultivated rubber land using traditional methods, such as allowing rubber seeds to grow randomly, resulting in densely packed and irregularly spaced plantings. As a result, the latex production obtained was suboptimal. Additionally, I used coconut shells as containers for latex tapping, which could lead to contamination of the latex with dry leaves and other solid objects, thus reducing its quality.

I realized that these practices were not beneficial. Then, I started participating in GIZ-SASCI training in 2019, beginning with socialisation sessions in the Riam Panjang Village, followed by the formation of groups and participation in workshops on sustainable rubber downstream activities. I had never received guidance on how to care for rubber plantations, so I continued using traditional methods inherited from our parents. Furthermore, there is no rubber factory in Kapuas Hulu, making it difficult to obtain factory prices, and I only sell to local middle-man.

After receiving training on rubber plantation farming management, I began implementing the knowledge by adjusting the spacing between rubber trees, which were previously densely planted, and applying fertilisers according to ecological and environmentally friendly standards. Additionally, I replaced the coconut shell containers for latex tapping with bamboo. Furthermore, I gained technical skills and implemented latex drying processes according to factory standards, resulting in better quality and higher selling prices. These practices were not only adopted by me but also by the majority of farmers who were members of the groups formed by SASCI.

With these practices I, I saw the ecological balance of the rubber land is maintained, and dry latex yields reach 90-100 kilograms per month, fetching better prices compared to selling to local traders. I can earn between 1-4 million rupiahs per month from this commodity alone. However, I also earn additional income from other commodities such as Arowana fish, bird's nest, rice farming, and keratom gardening. The concept of additional income was also obtained from the SASCI project. This impact is not only experience by myself, but other farmers in the group also experience the similar benefits.

I realise that the results from monoculture rubber farming are not sufficient, especially when using local planting materials. Therefore, my hope is to have an intercropping garden where, in addition to rubber trees, there are various types of plants with economic value, thus increasing income from rubber plantations.

Notes: Maskur's story is captured in 2022; However, he is now still one of the GIZ-assisted farmers under the GRASS project and being part of the local farmers champion programme.