Embedded Files
Overview
Overview
As one of Asia’s leading rice exporters, Indonesia faces ongoing soil erosion and degradation due to industrial rice farming practices. The challenge is compounded by an aging farming population, with younger generations showing little interest in agriculture as a viable livelihood. In response, ZFPA partnered with Astungkara Way and reNature (2023–2024) to introduce regenerative complex rice systems to farms in Bali.
This two-year project showcases the socio-cultural, economic, and environmental benefits of regenerative rice cultivation. By blending traditional practices with modern agricultural science, the initiative aims to enhance ecological resilience, restore soil health, and produce nutrient-rich rice—while sequestering an estimated 4,162.4 tons of CO₂ over the next seven years.
Unlike industrial rice farming, the Complex Rice System reintroduces biodiversity into the fields—incorporating ducks, legumes, azolla, and native plants to enrich soil health and honor local cultural practices. This integrated approach naturally protects rice from pests and diseases, removing the need for chemical inputs and resulting in higher-quality rice for the region.
Regenerative rice grown at Astungkara Way is now available across Bali to restaurants and local communities at fair, accessible prices—helping to inspire current and future farmers to adopt and sustain this holistic model of food production.
Key actors
Key actors
Astungkara Way and the farmers of the co-op
reNature (agronomists and technical support from 2023-24)
Beneficiaries – local consumers and restaurants
Alignment with the EAT-Lancet Commission
Alignment with the EAT-Lancet Commission
Beyond promoting sustainable food production and responsible land use, the project also focuses on youth engagement—challenging the misconception that farming cannot provide a decent livelihood. By collecting concrete economic data from cooperative farmers, the initiative demonstrates the viability of regenerative agriculture: a 47% reduction in input costs, a 15% decrease in labor costs, and a 63% increase in profits compared to conventional rice farming.
To further support this movement, the team regularly conducts capacity-building sessions, empowering younger farmers to adopt climate-smart practices and become active participants in the regenerative rice movement.
45.44 acres in transition
140 farmers involved
Lessons Learned
Lessons Learned
Since adopting the Regenerative Complex Rice System, farmers have seen increased yields and diversified income streams. The integration of ducks into the system has helped produce healthier rice with fewer defects, further enhancing crop quality and market value. The Astungkara Way team, in collaboration with local universities, has been documenting these improvements in yield and revenue. This data will serve to demonstrate that sustainable farming can be a viable, dignified livelihood for future generations.
The project’s success has also earned Astungkara Way a place on the final shortlist for The Food Planet Prize—highlighting its potential as a model for regenerative agriculture globally.
Next steps
Next steps
Additional funding will help more farmers adopt the Complex Rice System by reducing financial risks during the transition. It will also support the restoration of rice fields, strengthen the local supply chain, expand community outreach, and deepen research collaborations—driving sustainable agriculture forward in Bali and beyond.
Engaging with younger generations to participate in farming to combat the aging population issue in Bali’s rice industry, as well as demonstrating to other parts of Asia.
For more information contact: Peggy Chan at peggy@zerofoodprintasia.org
Page updated
Report abuse