Empowering Indonesian Farmers Through Modern Agricultural Technology

PT Nufarm Indonesia is amplifying its commitment to strengthening food security in Indonesia by embracing the power of agricultural technology. In a recent initiative in Lamongan, East Java, the company hosted a farmer education program aimed at promoting more sustainable and efficient farming practices. This program is part of a broader strategy to introduce precision agriculture and smart technology to rural regions that play a critical role in Indonesia’s food production.

Indonesia, with its vast agricultural sector, faces multiple challenges, including climate change, labor shortages, fluctuating commodity prices, and outdated farming methods. By introducing modern solutions tailored to the needs of smallholder farmers, companies like Nufarm are addressing these barriers head-on.

The recent training held in Lamongan brought together dozens of farmers and local agricultural leaders. They were introduced to new farming practices, including pest control using bio-based solutions, precision fertilizer applications, and the use of mobile-based decision support tools.

Bridging Traditional Farming and Smart Solutions

The integration of technology in farming is no longer a luxury — it is a necessity. According to Indonesia’s Ministry of Agriculture, over 90% of the nation’s farmers are small-scale, working on less than two hectares of land. These farmers often lack access to the resources and knowledge required to optimize their productivity and respond effectively to climate variability.

By bringing agricultural technology to rural areas like Lamongan, Nufarm is helping bridge the gap between traditional farming and future-forward practices. During the session, local farmers learned about innovations such as GPS-guided soil mapping, water-efficient irrigation systems, and crop health monitoring through drones and sensors.

These technologies not only promise higher yields but also reduce environmental impact. For example, precise application of fertilizers minimizes runoff and protects water sources, while biological pest control methods decrease dependence on chemical pesticides.

Farmers also received training on how to use mobile applications that deliver real-time weather updates, crop management tips, and early warnings about disease outbreaks. These platforms, accessible on basic smartphones, are transforming the way farmers plan their operations.

Strengthening Local Economies Through Food Security Initiatives

Food security is a national priority for Indonesia, particularly as the country navigates economic recovery post-pandemic and works to buffer its agricultural systems against climate disruptions. Lamongan, located in East Java, is one of the nation’s key rice-producing regions and plays a crucial role in maintaining the country’s grain stockpiles.

PT Nufarm Indonesia’s approach is not just about technology adoption — it is about fostering self-reliance among farmers. By helping them improve their yields and crop resilience, the initiative supports income stability and local economic development.

Beyond training, Nufarm provides continued support to farmers through agricultural extension programs, crop monitoring services, and access to improved seed varieties. These services are vital in ensuring that farmers can apply what they’ve learned in real-world settings and see tangible improvements in their harvests.

Moreover, this collaboration aligns with the government’s roadmap for Agriculture 4.0, which aims to digitize the farming sector and increase efficiency, traceability, and resilience.

Corporate Role in Achieving Agricultural Sustainability

The private sector is playing an increasingly significant role in achieving Indonesia’s agricultural goals. PT Nufarm Indonesia, a subsidiary of the global agrochemical company Nufarm Limited, is strategically investing in the future of farming by bringing its global expertise to local contexts.

Nufarm’s activities in Indonesia reflect a shift in how agribusinesses operate. Rather than simply selling products, companies are taking a more holistic approach by involving themselves directly in capacity building, education, and community engagement. This model of inclusive development ensures that farmers are not left behind as agriculture enters a new technological era.

The Lamongan program featured expert talks from agronomists and industry professionals, hands-on demonstrations, and interactive Q&A sessions. Farmers were encouraged to share their experiences and challenges, which helped shape the training content to be more relevant and practical.

One farmer from Lamongan shared that he had never before used a mobile application for farming decisions but found the tool easy to use and extremely helpful in predicting the best time for planting and harvesting. These firsthand experiences highlight the transformative potential of technology when introduced with the right support.

A Replicable Model for Other Regions

What Nufarm has initiated in Lamongan is more than a one-time intervention — it is a replicable model that can be applied across other agricultural regions in Indonesia. Given the country’s archipelagic nature and diverse farming systems, tailored technological solutions backed by continuous education and support are essential.

The company has expressed its intention to expand similar programs to other provinces, focusing on areas with high food production potential. These include Central Java, South Sulawesi, and parts of Sumatra, where smallholder farming still dominates.

Scaling such initiatives requires collaboration among government agencies, the private sector, universities, and local cooperatives. Nufarm’s success in Lamongan demonstrates the effectiveness of multi-stakeholder engagement and the importance of listening to farmers as co-creators of innovation.

Conclusion: Toward a Smarter, More Resilient Farming Future

Indonesia’s journey toward agricultural sustainability and food security will depend on its ability to empower farmers with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to adapt to change. PT Nufarm Indonesia’s educational initiative in Lamongan is a promising step in that direction, showing how agricultural technology can be a game-changer for rural communities.

By supporting farmers not just with products, but with education, hands-on training, and continued engagement, Nufarm is setting a standard for responsible and impactful agribusiness. As these technologies become more accessible and widespread, Indonesia’s farmers will be better positioned to meet national food demands while preserving the environment for future generations.

In the years ahead, the hope is that more companies will follow this path, contributing to a smarter, more inclusive, and more resilient agricultural sector.