The next assessment and ToF session was conducted at Mr. Bustamam’s farm, located 3.5 km from the village, offering relatively easy access. Currently, he has planted 800 pepper vines of Petaling and Nyelungkup varieties, all recently planted (1 week old). Mr. Bustamam is experimenting with the grafted pepper method, sourcing his seedlings from West Bangka.
The plants are spaced at 1.5 meters apart and intercropped with areca nut (pinang). Although the trellising system has not yet been established, he plans to plant live trellises—particularly turi and lamtoro—soon.
Mr. Bustamam also has prior experience in compost-making, having applied it in the past. Though paused due to other responsibilities, he expressed a strong interest in resuming composting together with the support of a Change Maker (CM).
The session concluded with the distribution of farmer uniforms, a lunch at his home, and completion of farmer data via the Kobo system.
