Training in Ginger and Taro Cultivation on Peatland

Yayasan Gambut attended training in ginger and taro cultivation on peatland organised by WWF Riau at Temiang Village’s multipurpose hall, Bandar Laksamana District, Bengkalis Regency, on 3/12/2020. The 34 participants included District Head Acil Esinno, Temiang Village Head Masdar, the Keladi Unggul Farmers’ Group from Sukajadi, Temiang’s Community Fire Care Group, the Makmur Jaya Women Farmers’ Group, and agricultural extension officers from Sukajadi and Temiang.

“Taro is suitable for planting on peatland, with around 15,000 seedlings per hectare. We are ready to support farmers with planting techniques and purchase their harvests. We already supply taro for export and local markets,” Ridwan said at the end of his presentation.

Rasidi, an advocate of farming without burning in Harapan Jaya, Tempuling District, Indragiri Hilir, then discussed red ginger cultivation. He explained how to select suitable planting material. At the time, he supplied red ginger seedlings to several villages in Indragiri Hilir and Indragiri Hulu.

Practising ginger planting using peat soil and oil palm frond fibre

Yayasan Gambut had provided 1000 red ginger seedlings to Temiang’s Makmur Jaya Women Farmers’ Group, which has 11 members. The training formed part of WWF Riau’s support for farmers in Temiang and Sukajadi. It also aligned with Yayasan Gambut’s commitment to sustainable wetland and ecosystem management through strategic partnerships with stakeholders and local communities.

The event closed with remarks from Samsul Komar, WWF Riau’s Fire Monitoring and Restoration Specialist for Sumatra Peatlands. He committed to supporting the women’s group with another 1000 red ginger seedlings, a forest tree nursery and coffee seedlings in collaboration with Yayasan Gambut.