SAMARINDA (31/08/2025) – Radio Republik Indonesia (RRI) Samarinda, in collaboration with the Samarinda State Agricultural Polytechnic (Politani), once again presents the Mozaik Indonesia program, released on Friday (August 29, 2025). With the theme "Returning to Nature: Organic Farming: Fertile Soil, Prosperous Farmers," the program provides an inspiring dialogue about efforts to build healthy, environmentally friendly agriculture while improving farmer welfare.
The guest speaker was Rusmini, S.P., M.P., a lecturer and researcher in the Food Crop Production Technology Study Program at Politani Samarinda. She explained that organic farming is currently an urgent need amidst the long-term impacts of using chemical fertilizers and synthetic pesticides. "Initially, the use of chemical fertilizers can increase crop yields and promote food self-sufficiency. However, in the long term, soil degradation occurs, environmental carrying capacity declines, and farmers become increasingly dependent on expensive external inputs," she explained.
According to Rusmini, returning to organic farming is not only about a healthy lifestyle, but also a solution to building sustainable agriculture. Organic systems can maintain soil fertility, improve crop quality, and produce safer food products. "Most importantly, organic farming provides economic opportunities because the selling price of organic products is much higher, and the market is more open," she added.
Real Example: Anggana Village, Kutai Kartanegara
In the Mozaik Indonesia program, Rusmini described her experience mentoring farmers in Anggana Village, Kutai Kartanegara. Through a gradual process, the farmer group began reducing the use of chemical fertilizers and switching to organic materials. After three years of consistency, the farmers succeeded in producing organic rice, which is now being marketed to the public.
The market response has been positive. Although the price of organic rice is relatively higher, demand is actually increasing as consumers become more concerned about health and food safety. "Farmers experience dual benefits: the soil is fertile again, production costs are more manageable, and the harvest is more valuable," she said.
Challenges and the Role of Academics
However, the transition to organic farming is not instant. It requires patience, consistency, and a change in the farmers' mindset. Many farmers initially consider organic systems to be more complicated and slow, even though the raw materials for plant-based fertilizers and pesticides can be easily obtained from the surrounding environment, such as household waste, livestock manure, and local plants.
Politani Samarinda plays an active role in research and innovation. Since 2012, several lecturers and students have produced various organic technology products, such as liquid organic fertilizers, bioactivators, and plant-based pesticides. Some have even received patents. The results of this research are not only used as teaching materials but are also directly applied in community service activities through farmer mentoring in the field.
Future Hopes
Rusmini emphasized that the organic farming movement must involve various parties: academics, local governments, farmer groups, and consumers. Politani Samarinda students are also directly involved through field school and community service programs, allowing them to learn and make a real contribution to farmers.
"Organic farming is not just a trend, but a necessity. With healthy soil, a protected environment, quality products, and prosperous farmers, our food security will be even stronger," she concluded.
The Mozaik Indonesia program concluded with a collective call to support the return to nature movement through organic farming. With the cooperation and commitment of all parties, organic farming is believed to be a real solution to future food and environmental challenges. (HUMAS)