This success started with CDRM&CDS assistance towards farmer and women groups in the village. CDRM&CDS field staff facilitated the groups to access government program. Before, the local government only paid little attention to the village farmers. The farmers rarely received training, counseling, or support for seeds and pestisides. With CDRM&CDS support, sub-district Agriculture and Forestry Extension Institute (BPPK) coordinator eventually came to support the villagers. They also conducted trainings on pig husbandry and rice cultivation for the villagers.

BPPK coordinator asked the farmers to submit proposal to Aggriculture Department. Again, with CDRM&CDS support we applied rice seeds support for 10 hectares rice fields, and proposed rice fields expansion to 20 hectares. We also received support for yielding seed varieties. We planted these seeds in our rice fields, and the result is very satisfactory. We will continue this program in the future.”

BY: Juliana Telaumbanua, Nias CEF