Key Takeaways
- Small farmers in Indonesia, numbering 17.2 million, face challenges in accessing modern agricultural technology.
- A new report identifies ten best practices to enhance collaboration between tech startups and farmers to boost productivity and sustainability.
- The research emphasizes the need for long-term partnerships and community involvement in adopting AgTech innovations.
Bridging the Tech Gap for Indonesian Farmers
As agricultural technology evolves, many small farmers in Indonesia are falling behind, with many still dependent on traditional farming methods. A report titled “Transitioning Future Small Farms in Indonesia” outlines practical strategies to improve farmers’ access to AgTech innovations, which could enhance productivity and income.
Trisna Mulyati, a lead researcher and PhD candidate at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), highlights the need for understanding farmers’ perspectives. Growing up in Aceh province, Mulyati observed that her uncle, a farmer, has seen little progress in over 30 years. “We need an approach where the farmer’s point of view is better understood…and empower intergenerational farming,” she stated. Mulyati calls for AgTech startups to focus on developing genuine, long-term partnerships rather than short-term solutions.
The report details ten key recommendations for tech startups working with small farmers, emphasizing the importance of local engagement. Some of these recommendations include:
– Arranging on-farm demonstrations to provide practical insights.
– Collaborating with NGOs for effective financing and policy advocacy.
– Ensuring a focus on sustainable growth and farmer return on investment (ROI).
The findings are based on interviews with 131 stakeholders from diverse backgrounds, including farmers and NGOs, across regions such as Jakarta, West Java, Bali, and Aceh. By leveraging local knowledge, the report aims to shape better technological solutions for farmers.
The research is supported by Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and was launched during an event at the Australian Consulate General in Bali. Australia’s Consul-General, Jo Stevens, noted the importance of the initiative for international collaboration aimed at fostering prosperity in both Indonesia and Australia.
Following the launch, UTS and the Pijar Foundation signed a memorandum of understanding to further research and cooperation that support innovation ecosystems. Associate Professor Martin Bliemel from UTS remarked that the report serves as a guide for AgTech innovators globally, advocating for a farmer-driven approach to create a resilient agricultural sector that prioritizes sustainability, empowers small farmers, and secures food production for future generations.
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