Agroforestry program in S Kalimantan's Tabalong covers 30 hectares

Tanjung, S Kalimantan (ANTARA) - Tabalong District, South Kalimantan, is one f the targets of Indonesia's agroforestry program from the Ministry of Forestry. It covers 30 hectares, including 15 hectares in Uwie Village, Muara Uya Sub-district, and 15 hectares in Muang Village, Jaro Sub-district.

Head of Forest Utilization of the Tabalong Forest Management Unit (KPH) Aidil Fahruraji said agroforestry under the REDD+ scheme is an effort top reduce emissions from deforestation by increasing carbon stocks and reducing erotion.

"This program can improve local economy through diverse crop yields," Aidil explained on Saturday.

The types of crops cultivated through this program are candlenut, jengkol, sugar palm, and durian.

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The recipient groups of the program, Marusung Jaya Forest Farmer Group (KTH) in Muang Village and Uwie Village Forest Management Agency, received not only seedlings assistance, but also mentoring from the forestry extension workers.

REDD+ stands for reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation and enhancing carbon stocks in developing countries.

Meanwhile, agroforestry program combines land management as a solutionfor land conversion by simultaneously cultivating forestry plants, agriculture and livestock.

"We implement agroforestry in social forestry areas, including village forest, community plantation forest and community forest," said Aidil.

Tabalong Forest Management Unit records the total social forest area currently covers 8,146.33 hectares, comprising village forest (6 units) 2,709 hectares, community plantation forest (3 units) 1,343.79 hectares and community forest (16 units) 4,093.54 hectares.