Eco-Enzyme Training by the Acting Head of the TTU Agriculture Service and YNTM Encourages Tafenpah Farmers to Adopt Environmentally Friendly Agriculture

The Acting Head of the North Central Timor (TTU) Regency Agriculture Service, Charles Malelak, and the Nusa Timor Mandiri Foundation (YNTM) held Eco-Enzyme training for members of the Tafenpah Farmers Group in Hamlet 3 Oe Ana, Faennake Village, North Bikomi District. The training took place on Wednesday (November 19, 2025).

The training was led by YNTM Field Coordinator, Yeremias Lalian Abatan, S.Ip., and focused on utilizing organic waste to create Eco-Enzymes—natural liquid fertilizers, environmentally friendly pesticides, and multi-purpose cleaning agents. The interactive training covered the theory and practice of Eco-Enzymes production, from mixing ingredients and the fermentation process to application techniques for food and horticultural crops.

In his remarks, the Acting Head of the TTU Agriculture Service, Charles Malelak, emphasized the importance of sustainable agricultural innovation.

"Eko Enzyme is a simple technology but has a big impact. If implemented consistently, farmers can reduce production costs, improve soil fertility, and preserve the environment. We hope the farmer group in Faennake will become a pioneer for other areas," he said.

Meanwhile, YNTM Field Coordinator, Yeremias Lalian Abatan, S.Ip, emphasized a shift in mindset as the key to farmer independence.

"We encourage farmers to see the value of every organic waste. Eko Enzyme is not just a product, but a movement that teaches farmers that they can be independent and innovative. The enthusiasm of the Tafenpah farmers today is very encouraging," he explained.

Yohana Igniosa Pingga, S.Pt, a field facilitator, echoed this sentiment. "We are ready to assist farmers until they are truly capable of producing and utilizing Eko Enzyme independently. This is an important step towards healthier and more sustainable agriculture," Yohana emphasized.

The activity concluded with a question and answer session, a follow-up discussion, and the handover of Eko Enzyme starter kits to representatives of the farmer groups to support the program's sustainability.

This training is expected to be the first step in expanding environmentally friendly agricultural practices in North Bikomi District and throughout TTU Regency.