PERSPEKTIFNUSANTARA.COM– The youth movement in Ruteng, Manggarai Regency, to revive organic farming is a phenomenon that cannot be seen merely as a healthy lifestyle trend. More than that, this movement is a response to the crisis of modern agriculture, which is increasingly dependent on chemical inputs, and a concrete effort to build a more sustainable food system. Amid the challenges of climate change, soil degradation, and growing public health awareness, the actions of Ruteng’s young generation are highly relevant and strategic.
Data shows that Indonesia’s agricultural sector is still highly dependent on chemical fertilizers. Based on various agricultural reports, more than 80% of farmers in Indonesia still use inorganic fertilizers as their main production input. Meanwhile, certified organic farmland accounts for less than 1% of total national agricultural land. This indicates that organic farming remains at the margins of the national food system, even though discussions about healthy food continue to grow. This situation is also reflected in many agricultural regions, including Manggarai, which is known for its fertile soil but is increasingly affected by modern agricultural intensification.
On one hand, the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides does provide short-term benefits in the form of increased crop yields. However, various environmental studies show serious long-term impacts. Continuous use of chemicals can lead to soil quality degradation, loss of important microorganisms in the soil ecosystem, and contamination of groundwater sources. In the long term, this actually threatens the sustainability of agriculture itself. Soil that was once fertile may become dependent on chemical inputs to remain productive.
In this context, young people in Ruteng are emerging as agents of change. They do not only speak about idealism but also take real action through farmer assistance, public education, and the practice of organic farming on local land. This movement typically involves the use of compost, manure, botanical pesticides, and sustainable farming systems such as crop rotation. This approach not only reduces dependence on chemicals but also helps restore the balance of the soil ecosystem.
One of the main strengths of this movement is its community-based approach. The youth do not position themselves as people who “lecture” farmers, but as learning partners. They combine existing local knowledge with modern agricultural innovation. For example, some farmers in Manggarai have long known traditional farming systems without chemicals, but these practices have been eroded by production pressure and market demands. This youth movement helps revive those practices in a more systematic and organized way.
From an economic perspective, organic farming also holds promising potential. Global demand for organic products continues to rise. International market reports show that the global organic food market has reached more than 100 billion euros in recent years, and continues to grow as consumers become more aware of health and environmental issues. This opens major opportunities for regions like Manggarai to enter wider markets, both nationally and internationally.
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However, challenges in developing organic farming cannot be ignored. One of the biggest obstacles is the transition period from conventional to organic farming, which can take 2 to 3 years before the soil fully recovers and productivity stabilizes. In addition, farmers often face difficulties related to certification, market access, and unstable selling prices. Without a strong support system, many farmers eventually return to conventional farming due to short-term economic pressures.
