Enjoying Regenerative Farming During the Rainy Season

The beginning of the rainy season is always a time we look forward to. Together with my friends, I feel excited again to work in our learning garden and to help my parents on our family farmland. We immediately apply all the skills we have learned about dryland farming, making every activity meaningful and enjoyable.

The first thing we did was build a cubang—a rainwater storage reservoir that will be essential during the dry season. We also planted various vegetable seeds, both in the school garden and on our own land. In addition, we received vetiver grass slips to stabilise the terraces so they do not collapse and the soil remains fertile.

Last year, we only planted short-term vegetables such as spinach, lettuce, Pak choy, eggplant, tomatoes, etc. This year, however, our crops are far more diverse: Brazilian spinach, basil, water spinach, Aibika/gedi, lavender, hia leaves, mint, cumin, Javanese ginseng, and many more. Each plant offers different health benefits.

I am very grateful for the EBPP agriculture program in Darmaji Hamlet. This program not only improves farming techniques on steep and dry land but also creates opportunities for food self-sufficiency and healthier living.

I hope more young people and community members will join in learning. By working the land together, we can improve family nutrition, protect the environment, and strengthen our local economy—moving toward a better Darmaji.

By: Made Arsana, Grade 9 Student, EBPP Darmaji