Description:

Bangkal is a village located about 16 km away from Seruyan Raya Subdistrict and 255 km away from the center of Seruyan Regency, Central Kalimantan. The total population of Bangkal in 2022 is around 4,765 with sex ratio male is 52.7% and female is 47.3%.

The various ethnic groups that inhabit the village of Bangkal are 65% of Dayak ethnic (Tomuan, Katingan, and Kuhin), 5% of Banjar ethnic, and 30% from the other ethnic groups. Bangkal Village is accessible by road and has basic infrastructure, including village road, trail, boat mooring, rural irrigation, school, post office, market with permanent building, and tourist destination (Rumah Bentang Cagar Budaya and Rungau River). In terms of educational background, Bangkal has the most educational institutions in Seruyan Raya Subdistrict with a total of 9 schools (5 elementary schools, 2 junior high schools, 1 senior high school, and 1 vocational high school).

Local communities in Bangkal mainly depend on agriculture. Most of the land in Bangkal Village is managed by the community for oil palm plantations and the remaining is developed for the agricultural sector on food crops and horticultural crops. The fishery potentials in the village are biawan fish (Helostoma temminckii), snakehead fish (Channa micropeltes), and catfish (Clariidae sp.).

The Spatial Plan:

The Bangkal village area is predominantly characterized by oil palm plantations, encompassing 67% (10,368 ha) of the total area, followed by a community mixed farming area comprising 20% (10,368 ha). This mapping highlights oil palm as the principal commodity in the village, as illustrated in the table below.

 The Village Spatial Plan

Village Category:

Certification Village, the village which is committed to sustainably cultivating commodities in accordance with the standards in RSPO and ISPO.

Intervention:

1. Gawi Bapakat: Certification Village

2. Support oil palm farmers to achieve RSPO certification in oil palm producing villages

3. Regenerative agriculture in smallholder oil palm farms: Demonstration plots of organic

4. Trialing new oil palm agroforestry for smallholders

5. Regenerative farming for food security using mixed systems to cultivate food crops

6. FLC (Farmer Learning Centre)

1. Gawi Bapakat: Certification Village

   • The landscape of Bangkal Village is characterized by the prevalent presence of extensive oil palm plantations, encompassing a substantial portion of the village's total land area. These oil palm plantations extend over an expansive 66.8% (10,369.99 ha). This dominance of oil palm cultivation in Bangkal is a defining feature of the village's agricultural landscape and plays a pivotal role in its economic and environmental dynamics.

   • Bangkal has 4.86% (1,581.81 ha) of protected areas covered from its total land area, which is dominated by forest cover of 754.16 ha.

   • Following out the identification of land use, Bangkal Village is steadfastly dedicated to attaining the prestigious status of a "Certification Village." This commitment focuses on ensuring that every oil palm company and smallholders obtains either an Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) or Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) certification. This priority speaks volumes about the village's dedication to sustainability and responsible land management. It is a deliberate step toward fostering an agricultural landscape where every palm oil producer operates in harmony with the environment, adheres to ethical labor practices, and contributes positively to the social fabric of the community.

   • As part of Gawi Bapakat program, Bangkal has committed to pursue sustainability. They have put in place several efforts to manage the land sustainably, protect human rights and also monitor deforestation and fire.

Intervention Details

• Total area supported      : 49 hectares

• Type of support              : Certification and regenerative agriculture,

• Technology introduced   : Agroforestry, regenerative agriculture, demonstration plot of organic
  
  

Impact:

1. Farmers are registered as RSPO or ISPO certificate holders

2. Community understand and able to implement the organic farming method

Quote:

“The programs held are good and really help farmers, especially those of us who are rural communities who have minimal knowledge about sustainable palm oil farming. People say fertilizers a, b, c are good, we follow them but don't know what they contain. While using organic since 2017, the plantation results are very good and this really supports the organic palm oil program. The ingredients are easy to obtain and the price is not burdensome for farmers.” – Mr. Sigilen

2. Support oil palm farmers to achieve RSPO and ISPO certification in oil palm producing villages

   The independent, oil palm smallholders in Bangkal village have been supported to be certified according to the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) and Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) standards.

   
   

   The certification process commenced in April 2023 and involved mapping of smallholders, training and supporting farmers to obtain all the necessary legal documents. Farmers were also trained on free and fair work, occupational health and safety, and identification of high conservation value areas.

   
   

   Farmers in the village belong to a district, oil palm farmer association called, which was established to provide services for all farmers in Seruyan district who wish to be certified. The district farmer association aims to reduce the costs of certification by bringing it to scale.

   
   

   Intervention Details:

   • Number of farmers supported : 27 farmers

   • Total area : 49 hectares

   • Number of land parcels : 40 land parcels

   • Total production (per year) : 18 ton per hectare (estimated value, data is still being checked and the audit process is still ongoing)

   
   

   Impacts:

   27 oil palm farmers have learned good agricultural practices and obtained legal documentation.

3. Regenerative agriculture in smallholder oil palm farms: Demonstration plots of organic

   To restore and enhance the health of soil, ecosystems, and communities involved in agricultural systems, regenerative agriculture is currently being implemented in Bangkal in the context of small-scale oil palm plantations. This is expected to be essential in mitigating some of the environmental and social problems associated with conventional oil palm cultivation.
   
   

   Organic farming demonstration plots can be used as practical and real examples of successful implementation of organic farming practices. These plots are areas within agricultural land where farmers, researchers, and the public can observe and learn about the benefits and techniques of organic farming.

   
   

   
   

   Intervention Details:

   • Number of farmers supported : 26 farmers

   • Total land area intervened       : 37.81 ha

   • Technology introduced            : The production of organic fertilizers and pesticides.

   
   

   Impact:

   26 farmers received comprehensive training in organic agriculture, covering sustainable soil management, natural pest control, chemical-free practices, and biodiversity promotion. This equips them with environmentally friendly and sustainable palm oil farming skills.

   
   

   Next steps:

   26 farmers have received support with tools, materials and training to be able to produce organic fertilizer independently so they can practice regenerative agriculture sustainably. Apart from that, farmers will also be introduced to intercropping practices into their farming systems. Intercropping involves planting short-lived plants or different trees together on the same land, and in this case is aimed at establishing a polyculture system.

   
   

   Quotes:

   “This organic palm oil activity is very good for farmers because the costs involved are not too expensive for chemicals, it is widely available around farmers and is environmentally friendly and does not damage the environment in the long term. During the 2 years of using organic fertilizer (chicken manure) there was a very good impact on the soil where the soil became loose because lots of worms appeared. In terms of plantation productivity, production is increasing, the program held by Kaleka is very helpful both technically and in terms of the knowledge provided through training.” – Mr. Majianto

   
   

   “The programs held are good and really help farmers, especially those of us who are rural people who have minimal knowledge. What people say is fertilizer a, b, c, it's good, we follow it but we don't know what it contains. While using organic since 2017, the plantation results have been very good and this is very supportive of the organic palm oil program. The ingredients are easy to find and the prices do not burden farmers.” – Mr. Sigilen

   
   

   Photos:

4. Trialing new oil palm agroforestry for smallholders

   The majority of food production is carried out by transmigrants in the agricultural sector, while most local residents have ceased farming practices. Their lands have remained inactive for more than five years. To reactivate these lands, a pilot project for a new oil palm agroforestry system is being initiated in Bangkal Village for smallholders. The goal is to introduce a more diverse and heterogeneous planting practice and reduce the prevalence of monoculture oil palm cultivation.

   
   

   The primary objective of this initiative is expected to lead to environmental and social challenges. By doing so, the project aims to revitalize local agriculture, enhance biodiversity, and improve the resilience and livelihoods of small-scale farmers.

   
   

   
   

   Intervention Details:

   • Number of farmers supported : 4 farmers

   • Total land area intervened       : 1 ha

   • Technology introduced            : Land clearing without burning practice; semi-organic farming practices for individual plots; and intercropping of fruit trees and oil palm.

   
   

   Impact :

   • 4 farmers are provided with support and assistance to improve their farming and cultivation techniques. This guidance encompasses a range of activities and knowledge-sharing aimed at helping farmers achieve better yields, improved crop quality, and sustainable agricultural practices.

   • 4 farmers are willing to participate in agricultural practices, signifying their eagerness and preparedness to engage actively in various aspects of agriculture.

   • 4 farmers have the opportunity and capacity to expand and diversify their income sources beyond palm oil cultivation with fruit crops.

   
   

   Species :

   1. Orange (Citrus sinensis)

   2. Guava (Psidium guajava)

   3. Pineapple (Ananas comosus)

   4. Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum)

   
   

   Next steps :

   1. Seeds procurement and planting activity.

   2. The implementation of food security in agriculture involves a comprehensive approach to ensuring a stable and adequate supply of food for the community.
      
      

   Photo:

5. Regenerative agriculture methods for food security using mixed systems to cultivate food crops

   Regenerative agriculture methods can play an essential role in ensuring food security by promoting sustainable and resilient agricultural practices. Mixed cropping systems, which involve growing multiple crops together in the same field, are one approach to regenerative farming that can enhance food security.
   
   

   To implement regenerative agriculture methods using mixed systems for cultivating food crops in Bangkal Village, it's essential to consider the specific characteristics, resources, and needs of the community.

   
   

   Intervention Details:

   • Number of farmers supported : 10 farmers

   • Total land area intervened       : 6 ha

   • Technology introduced            : Regenerative agriculture method by using organic materials, such as manure, and planting intercrops

   
   

   Impact:

   • Diversified cropping systems and regenerative practices can lead to higher and more stable food production. Communities are less vulnerable to crop failures due to pests, diseases, or adverse weather conditions.

   • By growing a mix of crops and integrating various farming practices, communities can increase their income potential. Selling surplus crops, vegetables, nuts, or value-added products can provide additional revenue streams.

   • Training community members in regenerative farming methods empowers them with knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about their farming practices. This knowledge can be shared and passed down to future generations.

   
   

   Next steps:

   10 farmers continuing sustainable regenerative agricultural practices independently.

   
   

   Photos:
   
   

6. Construction of the Farmer Learning Center (FLC) to increase farmers' capacity in cultivating crops and livestock.

   A Farmer’s Learning Centre in Bangkal village serves as a facility designed to provide training, education, and resources to farmers. It is established to help farmers improve their agricultural practices, enhance their knowledge and skills in areas such as crop cultivation, livestock management, sustainable farming techniques, and more. Moreover, it is expected to support and empower farmers to increase their agricultural productivity, sustainability, and overall well-being.

   
   

   Bangkal was selected for its strategic location, situated equidistant between Pangkalan Bun and Seruyan. At present, the construction phase of Farmer’s Learning Centre has commenced, encompassing material preparation (15%). The development of this learning center engages local community participation.

   
   

   The learning center is poised to feature permanent structures, classroom facilities for training purposes, an auditorium for meetings, and a 3-hectare demonstration plot. Moreover, the dimensions of the learning center reach 216 m² (single floor). The main building is located on the village-owned land, while the agricultural demonstration plot utilizes privately-owned land belonging to local residents.

   Intervention Details:

   • Type of supports:

   1. Permanent building (including classroom facilities for training and learning center hall);

   2. Agricultural and forestry demonstration plot covering an area of approximately 3 hectares;

   3. Agricultural tools;

   4. Training for making organic fertilizer;

   5. Cattle pen;

   6. Compost house.

   • Technology will be introduced: introduction of making organic fertilizer and use of agricultural equipment.

   
   

   Impacts:

   • It is a good opportunity to introduce Bangkal Village to other villages. This can help promote the culture, agricultural potential, and the way of life of the community in Bangkal.

   • The establishment of a learning process of knowledge sharing among farmers. This is expected to facilitate the transfer of valuable information, skills, and experiences related to agricultural practices and techniques among farmers in Bangkal involved in agriculture.

   • Introducing local commodities for a positive impact toward the local economy, culture, and environment in Bangkal Village.

   • Local community in Bangkal Village take a part in maintaining the FLC (Farmer’s Learning Center) and participating in the production of compost fertilizer.

   
   

   Photos:

Farmer's Learning Center in Bangkal