Farmers Use Drones and Microbial Labs: This is the New Face of Organic Farming

Farmers Use Drones and Microbial Labs: This is the New Face of Organic Farming

In the face of climate change challenges and the crisis of farmer regeneration, an organic farming community in Mojokerto, East Java, is demonstrating a new face of the agricultural sector that is more modern and economically valuable.

The Brenjonk community not only relies on traditional methods but also utilises technology such as agricultural drones and microbial laboratories to maintain the quality of their organic production.

The community, which was established in 2007, now has 109 members, mostly housewives, and some young people and retirees who are interested in organic farming. Brenjonk’s mentor, Slamet, said that this community was built not just as an ordinary farming group, but as a joint movement that focuses on health, economy, and the environment.

“So it’s not a regular farmer group, but an organic community. It’s a gathering of people who like organic farming,” said Slamet, in Mojokerto, East Java.

Brenjonk develops organic farming from upstream to downstream, starting from cultivation, post-harvest, marketing, to education. Their products are now entering premium markets, including Superindo in East Java.

Slamet said that entering the modern market is a source of pride for small farmers who have long struggled to penetrate the premium market.

“If it’s like that, then it can be in the premium market, on the organic shelves. That’s our dream. So the products of these mothers are on par with the products of the late Bob Sadino,” he said.

In a month, this community is able to send 2-3 tons of organic products, ranging from vegetables, fruits, to organic rice. During the harvest season, rice shipments can even reach 5-10 tons.

Not only relying on conventional methods, Brenjonk also started using technology to increase production efficiency. One of them is the use of agricultural drones which are used to spray biological agents or natural microbes on agricultural land.

“Well, we use it for social activities. So when it’s time, we use the drone to spray biological agents,” said Slamet.

In addition to drones, this community also has a small laboratory to multiply microbes or biological agents that function to maintain soil fertility naturally. According to Slamet, this approach is a way to reduce dependence on fertilisers and synthetic chemicals that have been considered to damage the soil ecosystem for decades.