Introduction

For generations, the village of Tlogopakis in the Petungkriyono region has been known for its high-quality ginger, which grows abundantly on local farms. Farmers in this village have relied on ginger as their main source of livelihood. However, over the past four to five years, bacterial wilt and Fusarium disease have drastically reduced ginger production, causing serious concerns among farmers. A shift from using composted cow manure to untreated raw chicken manure, excessive use of herbicides and pesticides, infected seeds, and lack of crop rotation are believed to have triggered the outbreak of these diseases.

Facing the Crisis

This rapidly spreading wilt disease has not only decreased the quality and quantity of ginger yields but has also dramatically lowered farmers’ incomes, destabilizing the local economy. This crisis prompted the Relung Foundation, with support from IKI Small Grants, to initiate a project focused not only on recovery but also on building sustainable and resilient agriculture. Revitalizing ginger as a critical commodity within Tlogopakis’ agroforestry system is essential for both economic stability and environmental sustainability in the Petungkriyono region.

Sustainable Farming Strategies

This project combines local knowledge with modern agricultural technology to create a sustainable system:

• Selection of Superior Seeds: Using disease-resistant ginger seeds to establish a solid foundation for plant growth. These high-quality seeds are chosen from farms unaffected by the disease, selecting only healthy plants.
• Optimizing Soil Health: Applying Indigenous Microorganisms (IMO) cultivated from healthy soil in surrounding forest areas to enhance soil balance and microbial diversity, which support plant growth.
• Use of Effective Biological Agents: Integrating Trichoderma and Bacillus into soil management to naturally inhibit pathogens while promoting plant growth. Additionally, introducing Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) cultivation and application into the farming system to naturally boost plant growth.
• Application of Organic Fertilizers and Pesticides: Promoting proper composting practices, utilizing worm hydrolysate enriched with essential nutrients, and applying organic pesticides to control pests without harming the local ecosystem.

Identifying and Combating Plant Diseases

Bacterial wilt and Fusarium manifest with symptoms like sudden wilting and root rot. Various preventive measures have been implemented, including:

• Crop Rotation: Regularly changing crop types to reduce the pathogen load in the soil.
• Land Sanitation: Clearing plant residues after harvest to minimize the risk of cross-infection.
• Disease-Resistant Varieties: Developing and selecting varieties that are more resistant to disease.
• Prudent Water Management: Optimizing irrigation to keep soil fertile without creating overly moist conditions.
• Regular Use of Fungicides and Biotic Agents: Strengthening plants with eco-friendly biotic agents and fungicides.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

Through strong collaboration between the Relung Foundation, KTH Tlogopakis Krajan, and support from IKI Small Grants, this project aims not only to restore ginger production but also to build a sustainable, disease-resistant agricultural model. This initiative brings renewed hope for the farmers of Tlogopakis and potentially for other communities facing similar agricultural challenges. It is an important example of how, with the right approach and resources, agriculture can recover and flourish even in the face of significant adversity.

Contributor:

Meiardhy Mujianto