Meet Ketut, a Balinese farmer from Bayad Village

I Ketut Rediasa is one of 10 farmers participating in Begawan Giri, a regenerative program that supports farmers in Bali in moving away from agrochemical use to natural farming. Begawan Giri’s approach to farming restores the ecosystem in the rice fields and creates higher incomes for farmers through the sale of high-quality Mansur heritage rice. We asked Ketut to tell us about his experience as a farmer in the program in his own words.

Please can you tell us your name and what you do for work? 

My name is Ketut Rediasa, I’m usually called Ketut Kecil. I am currently 41 years old, and I come from Central Bali, specifically Banjar Bayad in Melinggih Kelod Village, Payangan District, Gianyar Regency.

I have been a farmer since I was a child, the work is passed down from generation to generation. When I was still a child, my parents invited me to help in the fields, because my parents’ income came from farming.

How do you usually spend your days? 

Every day I take care of the rice fields that I inherited from my parents.  Usually in the morning I go to the rice fields first, at midday I eat, then in the afternoon I go back to the rice fields.

What types of rice and produce do you grow?

Previously I used to grow Invari and Hybrid rice, what my next door neighbor planted, that’s what I also planted. Today I am planting Mansur rice from Begawan Giri. So far I have had one harvest of Mansur Rice.

I’m not only a farmer but also a breeder of livestock. The land I manage covers 20 hectares, which includes agriculture and livestock. I grow rice and a few vegetables and raise cows.

How has farming changed since you started, for you and for other farmers in Bali?

In my opinion, in my area agricultural land is becoming less and less like it used to be. The difficulty I am experiencing now as a farmer is that water sources are decreasing. There is more development and building on agricultural land. What I worry about is that there is less agricultural land, and the use of chemicals is damaging the soil elements.

Why did you decide to join the Begawan Giri program?

I decided to join Begawan Giri because it has good potential, because it agrees with what I want in agriculture and because of its organic Mansur rice program. The Begawan Giri program can restore soil elements that were damaged and affected by chemicals.

What changes have you seen in your rice fields since joining the program?

Since I joined the Begawan Giri program, the benefits have been significant. The life within the rice fields has started to thrive again, for example, dragonflies are beginning to reappear. It feels like I’m rediscovering and experiencing again the sensations I had as a child in the rice fields where I am working.

How do you feel about farming now after doing it for so many years?

I am very proud to be born in Bali and in Banjar Bayad because I can still enjoy nature like before. As a farmer I can only enjoy and manage what nature gives me. I am grateful for where I am now.

Do you have any children and what is your hope for them?

I have two children. My hope as a farmer is that young farmers will learn more and take an interest in agriculture, that what has been passed down by our parents can be continued. I hope Begawan Giri can motivate young farmers who are interested in agriculture, and provide a more positive future for agricultural areas like Banjar Bayad.