Hydroponics As a Farming Solution in Rural Areas
Challenge
Water erosion, deforestation, and pollution have reduced soil quality in parts of Bentarum. Increased flooding makes traditional agriculture unreliable. Foraging and crop damage by macaques in forest-farm areas reduces farmer security.
Solution
Hydroponic farming eliminates the need for soil altogether. Instead of relying on the nutrients and structure of soil, plants are grown in a nutrient-rich water solution that delivers everything they need directly to their roots. Hydroponic systems can be set up anywhere, allowing farmers to utilise degraded areas and reducing their need to always use vulnerable forest edge areas.
Progress
We have established two hydroponic demonstration plots. At our Sangga Hub learning centre in Pulau Manak, we have developed a Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) system, which is currently being used to cultivate various leafy vegetables such as lettuce, water spinach, pakcoy, and mustard greens. This facility serves as an educational and training centre for young farmers and local communities to understand the fundamentals of soilless cultivation, nutrient management, and efficient water use.
We have also supported the development of hydroponics in the village of Setulang in Bentarum’s west. In Setulang we also helped build an NFT hydroponic system, growing the same leafy vegetable varieties as in Sangga Hub. Sangga Bumi’s team of experts are providing continuous training and technical assistance to Setulang’s villagers, supporting the development and maintenance of this hydroponic system, plant maintenance, harvesting, to marketing the produce. The goal is to produce healthy vegetables for families that advance Indonesia’s food security programme while implementing a modern farming model that serves as an educational and learning medium for the community.
