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In the quiet village of Soi, Marawola Barat, an elderly woman working in her red bean field, spraying Gramoxone herbicide. What was missing in this picture was any form of protective equipment. This seemingly routine activity reflects a deeper, more pressing issue within rural agricultural communities.
She, like many other local farmers, had little to no knowledge of occupational safety or sustainable farming practices. The herbicide she used—Gramoxone—contains paraquat dichloride, a substance well-known for its extreme toxicity. Exposure to this chemical poses serious threats to human health, particularly the respiratory system, and it can severely harm the environment.
Paraquat dichloride doesn’t just affect the user. Its residues can leach into the soil and water, disrupt ecosystems, and contribute to long-term land degradation. In forest-adjacent agricultural areas like Marawola Barat, the use of such chemicals can be especially devastating, stripping the land of its vitality and contaminating sources of fresh air and clean water.
The implications are grave. In a region where respiratory illnesses like tuberculosis (TB) and acute respiratory infections (ARI) are common, such unsafe farming practices may be contributing to the health crisis. While data may still be lacking, the correlation is worth investigating.
Ironically, the very land that should be a source of life—clean air, oxygen, and natural abundance—is being threatened by uninformed practices and the lack of access to safer alternatives. The woman in Soi is not to blame. Her actions are a reflection of a larger gap in knowledge, training, and support for rural farmers.
Recognizing these urgent needs, ADRA Indonesia is working to bridge the gap through sustainable agriculture programs and education initiatives. By conducting training sessions on safe farming practices, promoting organic alternatives, and empowering communities to adopt environmentally friendly methods, ADRA is helping local farmers reduce risks to their health and the environment.
This story calls for continued and expanded education and outreach in remote farming communities. Sustainable agriculture is not just about protecting the harvest—it’s about protecting lives and preserving the environment for generations to come.
Empowering farmers with safer, more sustainable methods is a critical step toward ensuring that villages like Soi can thrive—without sacrificing health or nature in the process. With the continued support of organizations like ADRA Indonesia, there is hope for a healthier, more resilient agricultural future.
