Sukrin Uke is one of the farmers in Sumur Mas Village who has implemented agroforestry — a system that allows farmers to plant different types of plants and vegetables simultaneously.  By implementing agroforestry, he  aims to increase harvest yields while preserving the environment for upcoming generations. Through this method, Sukrin cultivates various plants and vegetables to create a mutually supportive ecosystem.

Why he chooses agroforestry

In farming, Sukrin combines short-term plants like chilli and vegetables with medium- and long-term plants like cacao and Sengon, a fast-growing tree species. According to him, this practice improves field productivity and contributes to the ecosystem balance. Moreover, if the price of one commodity goes down, the other crops will cover the loss. This is what convinced him that agroforestry is the right step.

With his experience in cocoa farming from a young age, Sukrin has planted around 3,000 cocoa seedlings in the last planting season and is targeting up to 5,000 seedlings in 2024. According to Sukrin, cocoa has great potential as a commodity. One hectare of cacao field, if maintained with great care, can produce up to three tons of cacao per year. “For me, cacao is more than just a business, it is an investment in a better tomorrow.”

Besides cacao, Sukrin also plants tree species like Jengkol, Petai, and Sengon. According to him, these plants produce different crops and resources, and help improve the quality of the surrounding soil and air. “I believe that with agroforestry, we can achieve prosperity in the future. We can also participate in improving and changing the climate for the better.” Sukrin added.