Senjani conducted an organic land socialisation on Sunday, July 2, 2023 at two places of coffee plantation areas in the Sapan and Gandasil areas located in Toraja Regency, South Sulawesi. This socialisation was held as a first step towards organic plantation/ agriculture which is one of Senjani's vision and mission. 

This socialisation was accompanied and presented directly by Mr. Ir. Jamaluddin Al Afgani, S.Pd., MP., Dr (Cand)  as a representative of the Ministry of Agriculture. The pastor and village head also participated in this socialisation, and of course the farmers who wanted to gain knowledge.

A common problem faced by farmers is subsidised fertiliser. So far, farmers have admitted that it is quite difficult to get subsidised fertilisers. In addition, farmers also still need assistance. The assistance in question is about providing knowledge about organic land and sustainable agriculture. The farmers also need assistance regarding the determination of a certain and appropriate price for coffee products.

What Were The Activities?

The socialisation was very interesting. Before the farmers were explained about what organic farming is, Mr. Ir. Jamaluddin first explained about the usual farming done by farmers and generally using chemicals. He explained the effect of using chemicals in agriculture which has a very bad impact on the land. Although at first it will give good results, it is only temporary. The adverse effects will be felt further and longer. For example, decreased productivity in these plants.

Furthermore, he also explained that the cost of organic farming is actually cheaper than chemical farming. In fact, organic farming has a high selling value compared to conventional/ chemical farming. Through this socialisation, he also explained that the branding of Toraja coffee is actually quite good. This can be seen from the local coffee product that has Toraja's name in its brand (Torabika). The next step is how to increase the productivity and quality of Toraja coffee.

"What we have to think about now is how to improve the productivity and quality of coffee. Especially along the way up these mountains, I see enormous potential. Now, how to maximise this great potential so that productivity and quality increase in the long run," Mr. Ir. Jamaluddin explained.

He revealed that there are at least a few things that can be done. The first is to improve the soil condition by applying fertilisers that contain microbes. It should be noted that the soil itself actually already has enormous potential. However, the use of chemicals makes the soil hard so that the roots in the soil are difficult to reach the food. So fertilisers with microbial content will develop in the soil so as to help decompose organic matter, changing the soil that was hard to become looser.

In addition to soil treatment, it is also necessary to spray organic fertiliser on the leaves. Consistent use of organic materials by abandoning 100% chemicals is the stage of conversion agriculture. This stage requires at least 3 years to be certified organic, which can then be said to be organic farming.

Why Were These Two Places Chosen?

The two points of Sapan and Gandasil plantations are the starting point of Senjani's pilot towards organic plantations with the first step of socialisation education to coffee farmers as well as practice/technical use of organic fertilisers (using eco farming fertilisers).

"Later this plantation will emerge as an icon of quality Toraja coffee because in terms of the cultivation process the potential for management is much greater, so my friends and I want to optimise assistance and pay special attention because this is our wealth, the wealth of Indonesia." Said Mr. Ir. Jamaluddin

What is the Next Step?

Through this socialisation, Senjani invites farmers to become a partner by providing subsidised organic fertiliser. Senjani will also provide intense assistance towards organic land and sustainable agriculture. Furthermore, Senjani will take responsibility for the fluctuating coffee market price. For this initiative, both farmers and Mr. Ir. Jamaluddin are very supportive and welcoming.

"I am very happy and welcome Senjani's friends who want to prosper farmers with an organic and sustainable plantation orientation". Says Ir. Jamaluddin.

With this socialisation, Toraja coffee farmers can be educated on the importance of organic farming. The goal is that Toraja coffee productivity can increase and meet market needs, especially overseas markets.