One day, his friend asked him to join Katingan Mentaya Project’s organic farming group to learn how to grow more crops through organic practices. He ended up learning many skills, from making compost soil to starting a small farm business. “I have learned to make organic compost and organic pesticides on my own using locally available materials like cow dung and cow urine and I use these on my farm now,” he said.

Iyan’s farm started producing more. He is not only planting vegetables, but adding fruit plants, such as oranges and dragon fruits, in his farm. His income from crops was increasing and with it, he quickly began saving money to build huts for vegetables.

Iyan grows a variety of trees but he is proud of the oranges, “We sell oranges to the market, I also sometimes share with my neighbours. Through this organic farming practices, I have been able to save almost 90% of the cost for farming. In the past, I spent 500.000 rupiah a month for chemical, but now I only need less than 100.000 a month,” says Iyan. He firmly believes that if any farmer seriously adopts organic farming technique then s/he will be able to earn substantial profit.

“I have given back to my community by providing guidance to other farmers in my village. Some of them visit my farm to learn more from me.”

Iyan’s life improved slowly at first, and then things really took off. Change happens one decision at a time.