In a serene village in remote Kalimantan, innovation blooms from the often-overlooked kitchen and plantation waste.
In the hands of the farmers of Kebun Agung Village, Pangkalan Banteng Sub-district, West Kotawaringin Regency, Central Kalimantan, what was once considered useless waste transforms into something truly valuable.
This household waste is transformed into organic fertilizer that fertilizes the soil, reduces dependence on chemical fertilizers, and drives the local economy.
Behind the change is the spirit of gotong royong, supported wholeheartedly by PT Gunung Sejahtera Puti Pesona (GSPP), one of the subsidiaries of PT Astra Agro Lestari Tbk.
Now, farmer groups in the village have triumphantly replaced up to 70% of chemical fertilizers with homemade organic alternatives crafted from kitchen waste and other natural ingredients.
This remarkable achievement not only enhances crop yields but also fosters environmental awareness and empowers the community.
“We used to rely heavily on chemical fertilizers; they were expensive, and the results were not always good. Now, based on our knowledge, we have started to produce our organic fertilizer. Not only does it reduce costs, but it also makes us care more about the environment. The soil is more fertile, the plants grow healthier, and we feel more independent as farmers,” said the head of Mitra Sejahtera Farmer Group, Suyono.
Seeing the potential and seriousness of the Mitra Sejahtera farmer group, PT GSPP was moved to get more involved.
The company provides drums, jerry cans, and other supporting facilities for the production of organic fertilizer, as well as distributing horticultural seeds such as chilies, eggplants, tomatoes, and corn.
This step is part of Astra Agro’s strong commitment to supporting sustainable agriculture and empowering rural communities.
“For us, business is not just about profit. We believe that the company’s existence must be able to add value to the community and the environment around our operational areas,” said Usma, CSR Assistant of PT GSPP.
The support provided by PT GSPP to this farmer group is not just one-way assistance, but part of the spirit of sustainable collaboration.
The company believes that communities are strategic partners in creating real positive impacts, especially in addressing environmental and social challenges.
This activity beautifully represents Astra Agro Lestari’s Sustainability Aspirations, highlighting that social and environmental responsibility is fundamental to our business operations.
Astra Agro is dedicated to making a meaningful impact by fostering growth and delivering extensive benefits to the communities surrounding its operations via economic development and genuine efforts to encourage independence, environmental preservation, and improve quality of life.
Through programs like this, PT Gunung Sejahtera Pesona Puti demonstrates that even small and straightforward contributions can have a profound impact on society.
It is through small and concrete steps, like supporting organic fertilizer products, that significant changes can take root. This embodies the true essence of sustainability: growing together, progressing together.
Source : Radar Sampit
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