Rice-ing to the Occasion in Indonesia

Food

In the warm rice-growing regions of Indonesia, Wilmar’s Farmer Engagement Programme (FEP) is transforming the lives of local rice farmers by enhancing productivity, strengthening food security and improving livelihoods.

Through FEP, Wilmar supplies farmers with high-quality seeds suited for the local climate and expert guidance on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), covering essential techniques such as soil health management, pest control, irrigation, and sustainable farming methods. These practices are designed to enhance the long-term productivity and sustainability of the farmland, enabling farmers to significantly increase their yields.

Farmers participating in FEP are contracted to sell their harvested crops exclusively to Wilmar, which creates a stable and predictable demand for their produce with the security of fixed rates or current market values. This arrangement provides financial stability for the farmers, reduces the risks associated with market uncertainties, and allows them to plan and invest in future harvests with certainty.

Tackling challenges

While the programme has seen notable success, it has not been without its hurdles – chiefly in equipment and infrastructure. Limited access to mechanised equipment can drive up operating costs, while poor transportation infrastructure complicates logistics, especially in remote regions.

In response, Wilmar has intensified efforts to provide agronomic advice, ensuring the availability of quality seeds and fertilisers, and improved transportation networks through roads and footpaths to facilitate access to necessary resources.

Fusing nature and innovation

Through an integrated rice farming system, Wilmar incorporates biological methods to build resilient farming systems. By introducing natural organisms such as fish, ducks, and border plants, this approach promotes biodiversity, pest control, and nutrient management. The result? Increased productivity, fewer chemicals, and a thriving and balanced ecosystem.

A source of opportunities

The Farmer Engagement Programme is more than just a helping hand—it is a wellspring of opportunities for rice farmers across Indonesia. By focusing on education, resource provision, and sustainable practices, the programme reshapes communities, empowers lives, and helps to secure the future of food security in Indonesia.

Back