This story is related to the landscape initiative “The Mosaik Initiative”, and originally published on SourceUp.
Farmers’ Yields Go Beyond Palm Oil: Mixed Gardens as a Source of Livelihood
“I want people to realize that palm oil is not the only option. Managing land with active crops through agroforestry can create far more promising opportunities.”
— Suharni (46), Agroforestry Farmer, Batu Menangis Village
In Batu Menangis Village, Batu Ampar Sub-district, Seruyan District, Central Kalimantan, Suharni proves that even a small plot of land can become a sustainable source of livelihood when managed properly. Suharni began farming in 2013. Like many farmers in his village, he initially relied on rice and corn as his main sources of income. With limited land and traditional farming practices, he struggled to meet his family’s needs from unpredictable harvests. There were times when yields were low or crops failed altogether, while the cost of seeds and fertilizers continued to rise.
For Suharni, returning home from the field with produce from only a single crop often felt unsatisfying.
“When I come home from the garden with just one harvest, it doesn’t feel enough. Even at three in the afternoon, I still don’t feel like going home,” he recalled.
That sense of uncertainty eventually found an answer when a program initiated by Gawi Bapakat was introduced in Batu Menangis. For the first time, farmers were supported with seeds and organic fertilizers, introduced to an agroforestry (intercropping) system, and accompanied through hands-on field mentoring.
Suharni decided to try it himself. He no longer planted a single crop on his land; instead, he combined various crops in the same plot.
Gradually, the changes began to show results. From one hectare of land, harvests of water spinach and mustard greens alone could generate around IDR 1 million. When combined with corn and peanuts, his total monthly income from the garden could reach approximately IDR 3 million.
Beyond the numbers, agroforestry transformed Suharni’s view of his land. With the same limited area, productivity increased. What once grew only rice and corn now supports a diverse range of crops: jengkol, mango, rambutan, petai, matoa, and sweet oranges. Looking ahead, he also plans to plant dwarf coconut as an additional source of income.
“After I started planting additional crops—jengkol, rambutan, mango, and others—the harvest became much more abundant. Alhamdulillah, it is more than enough,” he said with a satisfied smile.
Of course, the transition did not come without challenges. Managing a mixed garden requires greater care, particularly to maintain soil health and crop quality. However, continuous support from field facilitators helped Suharni navigate these difficulties.
“There are certainly challenges in maintaining the crops, but I coordinate closely with the support team,” he explained.
For Suharni, agroforestry is not merely about planting multiple crops. It is a way to restore soil fertility and bring life back to the land. Since adopting this system, his garden has felt more vibrant, the soil has been healthier, and the harvests have been of higher quality. From this small plot of land, a bigger dream has emerged: to introduce Batu Menangis’ agricultural products to a wider market.
The change Suharni initiated has begun to spread throughout the village. Farmers who were previously unfamiliar with intercropping have grown interested after seeing the results of their garden firsthand. News of his success has even reached his hometown, Gantung Pengayuh Village.
Today, Suharni’s garden is more than a source of income. It has become a source of inspiration. He demonstrates that land can be optimized without relying on a single commodity. Economic value does not come solely from palm oil, but also from other crops such as mango and jengkol, which open access to broader markets.
His family’s livelihood is now more secure, the soil continues to improve, and the community is gaining confidence to manage land in new and more sustainable ways.
“I hope people will not rely solely on palm oil. When land is optimized with a variety of crops, the returns can be far more rewarding,” Suharni concluded.