Two farmer groups supported by Gemawan—Cahaya Mentari and HCC Berdikari—in Dusun Besar, Pulau Maya Subdistrict, Kayong Utara Regency, have agreed to continue agricultural activities immediately after the recent harvest. They are now targeting the management of one hectare of rice fields on the same land.
This step is considered strategic in strengthening local food security. The availability of locally produced rice is not only crucial for community needs but also helps reduce dependence on supplies from outside the region.
“Rice remains our priority because it’s the basic staple of the community. We hope Dusun Besar can achieve food self-sufficiency,”
said Mahera, Chair of the Cahaya Mentari Farmers’ Group.
Diversification Efforts in Pulau Maya
Beyond rice cultivation, the two farmer groups are also diversifying their crops by planting watermelons as an inter-season crop and beginning to develop chili cultivation. This strategy provides an additional source of income for farmers outside of the main rice harvest season, ensuring that agricultural and household economic activities continue sustainably.
“Waiting for rice to ripen takes quite a long time. By planting watermelon and chili, we can earn additional income during that period,”
explained Mahera.
This diversification model is expected to serve as a local example of sustainable farming. Mahera also emphasized the active role of women in every stage of the process. According to her, women are not only involved in planting and fieldwork, but also in administration, business planning, and post-harvest management.
“The women here are not just helping—they are leading. This proves that agriculture can be a powerful space for women’s empowerment,”
she added.
Collaboration and Capacity Building
The assistance provided by Gemawan has significantly strengthened the capacity of local farmers—especially women—in facing the challenges of modern agriculture.
In a separate statement, Isa, a member of the HCC Berdikari Farmers’ Group, noted that the success of farmers in Dusun Besar stems from the synergy between Gemawan and the Kayong Utara District Agriculture Office. Since 2024, this collaboration has established rice demonstration plots (demplot), which are now being expanded to include rice field management and horticultural crops.
This partnership is seen as crucial in enhancing farmers’ capacity, covering technical cultivation, administrative support, and business licensing preparation.
“Farmers cannot work in isolation. Collaboration like this gives us confidence and the ability to grow,”
Isa remarked.
He expressed hope that the agricultural activities in Dusun Besar would bring tangible benefits to household income improvement. Through the cultivation of rice, watermelon, and chili, farmers can not only meet their own food needs but also generate additional earnings.
Collective Spirit and Local Economic Strength
The spirit of mutual cooperation (gotong royong) that has been nurtured since 2024 has made the Cahaya Mentari and HCC Berdikari groups increasingly united. This collective enthusiasm shows that the agricultural sector holds enormous potential as a driver of local economic resilience.
Author: Welly – Community Organizer, Gemawan Kayong Utara