Fertilizer: The Key to Food Security in Bekasi's Small Farms

Challenges Faced by Local Farmers

In Bekasi's Muktijaya village, farmers like 60-year-old Nenih struggle with maintaining healthy crop yields. Nenih, who has been farming for two years on a 1,000 square meter plot, emphasizes that fertilizer is essential for plant growth. Without it, crops become weak and underdeveloped.

Impact of Fertilizer Scarcity

Nenih shared her experience with fertilizer scarcity, a common issue among local farmers. The lack of fertilizer not only affects crop quality but also exacerbates the challenges posed by fluctuating market prices. The situation underscores the need for sustainable fertilizer availability to support small-scale farmers.

Crop Choices and Farming Practices

Nenih and her husband have adapted to the changing weather conditions and market fluctuations by choosing resilient crops such as chili, peanuts, and galangal. They manage to harvest twice a year, relying on fertilizer to enhance their crop yields. This practice highlights the interdependence between fertilizer use and farming productivity.