EBPP Students Convert Dryland into Productive Farms

Darmaji students are working together to make compost

Since early July, the dry season has arrived in Ban Village. Most community farms look barren due to lack of water, but EBPP Darmaji students remain motivated to keep learning about regenerative dryland farming. With great enthusiasm, they have started applying the knowledge gained from the school’s demonstration plot by cultivating their parents’ land as real practice fields.

Using simple self-made tools and teamwork, the students learned to establish the land contours with bamboo A-frames, build terraces, and prepare water conservation channels. So far, 47 students have successfully developed their own plots, each averaging 20–40 m², ready to be planted with various organic vegetables once the rainy season comes. They also continue producing organic compost, not only to support their future planting but also as a valuable learning resource for the wider community.

In addition, at the school learning garden, students record daily maximum/minimum temperature and rainfall data, mix compost, remove weeds, add mulch to retain soil moisture, and recently built a new greenhouse. I also continue to visit their homes to monitor each student’s progress.

As their mentor, I am very proud of their achievements. Our deepest gratitude goes to #Mitra Prodin CSR for their ongoing sponsorship that strengthens student learning, motivates them to be self-reliant, and brings new hope for the Darmaji community toward a more sustainable future.

By: Wayan Ngurah, EBPP Organic Farming Program Facilitator

#EBPP #DrylandPermaculture #SustainableFarming #EastBali #MitraProdin