Oefafi Village, Kupang, Nusa Tenggara Timur.

We believe in giving back to the society and to nature. We want to be a part in the initiative to promote agriculture in a challenging environment such as at Oefafi Village, Kupang, Nusa Tenggara Timur.

At Oefafi Village, the land is dominated mostly by slopping chalky soil. Chalky soil has very thin layer of top soil and little to no organic matter. At Oefafi Village, the soil dries out quickly in dry season and will be overrun by flood in rainy season.

The chalky soil contains large amount of stone, which prevents root to thrive; and is very alkaline, which limits the availability of essential nutritions for plant to grow.

In 2013, JPCC Foundation procured clean water and sanitation facility for the village. Waste water derived from the sanitation was used as organic fertilizer, clean water was used for irrigation and top soil was brought from Java.

Due to the chalky and slopping nature of the soil, the aftermath of heavy rain season eroded most of the hardwork.

We believe these challenges can be met, if we work together with nature. To address the slopping nature of the land, we introduce trenches surrounding the area, which are connected to a water reservoir.

In rainy season, the flood water will be redirected away from the crops, while the rainwater can be stored for use in dry season.

To address the soil condition, we introduce Humatani, which can change the physical and chemical properties of strong alkaline and highly dispersed soil particles, making it a better condition for the growth of plant.

Continuous Humatani application with organic fertilizer, derived from manure and biomass, will increase the water holding capacity and nutrients holding capacity of the soil. 

We introduce a more sustainable agriculture system, with alternating different types of plant and better irrigation system. Training and counselling are routinely conducted with the villager.

Soon enough the villager at Oefafi Village can reap the benefit of a better soil condition and agriculture system. Next, we will introduce cattle housing and naper grass for a more sustainable agriculture.