Innovation

BLF leverages modern technologies such as climate-resilient seeds to significantly boost productivity while conserving vital resources. These innovations directly address SDGs by improving water efficiency and crop yields, benefiting both farmers and the environment (SDG 2, SDG 6, SDG 13). “We’re using less water but growing more crops—this is how we protect the environment while feeding our families,” said a farmer involved in the program.

The i-Care program boosts crop yields and sustainability by optimizing resource use, which helps smallholder farmers reduce costs and maintain soil health. This leads to higher productivity and long-term viability of their farms. Meanwhile, the Holistic Development and Diversification of Agriculture Program (HDDAP) promotes agricultural diversification and risk mitigation, reducing farmers’ dependency on a single income source and protecting them from market and climate-related risks. Together, these programs enhance productivity, sustainability, and economic resilience, significantly improving the livelihoods and security of smallholder farmers (SDG 1, SDG 12).

The program also fosters youth engagement by involving young farmers and providing them with the skills needed to modernize their farming practices. This not only contributes to a sustainable agricultural future but also ensures the continuity of farming traditions with a modern twist (SDG 4, SDG 8). “Youth engagement is crucial for the future of agriculture. By equipping young farmers with modern skills, we are ensuring a sustainable and innovative agricultural sector,” noted a BLF representative.

Bayer Better Life Farming (BLF) is dedicated to nurturing tech-savvy agri-entrepreneurs, with a primary focus on young farmers. In regions like Banten, Central Java, East Java, and West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, BLF introduces cutting-edge technologies such as drone spraying and other modern farming applications through demo plots, field days, and special field trips. This hands-on approach allows farmers to experience and practice these innovations, fostering shared learning and growth within their communities. Additionally, BLF empowers women farmers to complement their husbands, enhancing livelihoods and promoting community development. Similarly, the International Conference of Youth in Agriculture (ICYA) empowers young Indonesian farmers by introducing cutting-edge technologies and financial literacy, fostering tech-savvy agri-entrepreneurs and sustainable farming practices. Both initiatives play a crucial role in transforming the agricultural landscape in Indonesia (SDG 5, SDG 9).

Empowering Farmers, Transforming Lives: Balancing Profit and Purpose

Inspiration

Enabling farmers to bring about sustainable change was the founder's stated intention. This mission is echoed in the words of a BLF entrepreneur: “Empowering farmers is more than a job; it’s a mission to create lasting change.” This vision is not just about improving agricultural practices but about transforming lives and communities.

Ronny Setyawan, Smallholder Farmers Partnership Manager BLF emphasized, “We work with vulnerable smallholder farmers exposed during the pandemic and listen to their concerns. This situation is a threat to the potential of national food production. We initiate the Better Life Farming on a global scale, and it is launched today in Indonesia in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture. Through the Better Life Farming Centre, we and our partners work to open up access to technology, education, and mentoring as well as access to market and financing to support the smallholder farmers that would allow them to manage agriculture business in a professional and commercially viable manner."

Overall impact

The program’s impact is profound, fostering financial stability and sustainability. Farmers now invest confidently in their farms, knowing they are protected against adverse conditions. As one farmer noted, “With insurance, we no longer fear losing everything during bad weather.” This sense of security has allowed farmers to focus on innovation and growth, contributing to a more resilient agricultural sector (SDG 1, SDG 9).

The program empowers smallholder farmers burdened by debt through financial literacy programs integrated into routine farmer meetings (SDG 1). By connecting farmers with offtakes and financing parties like banks and cooperatives, BLF provides both knowledge and actionable support (SDG 8). This holistic approach helps farmers escape debt and embrace sustainable farming, fostering hope and a brighter future for their communities.

Additionally, the program focuses on empowering women with leadership training, financial inclusion opportunities, and technical support, promoting gender equality, and strengthening community development (SDG 5, SDG 10). “We want women to take leadership roles and influence decisions in their communities,” said a BLF representative, highlighting the transformative impact of the program.

Business benefit

BLF presents a strategic opportunity for companies like Bayer to expand their market presence. By providing high-quality agricultural inputs and solutions, these companies have positioned themselves as trusted partners to smallholder farmers. “When we invest in our farmers, we invest in our future,” said a Bayer Crop Science representative. This strategic alignment not only enhances Bayer’s market reach but also reinforces its commitment to sustainable agriculture (SDG 17).

For financial institutions, BLF cooperates with some financial institutions such as several state-owned Banks and shariah-compliant cooperatives. BLF has provided an opportunity to expand their rural lending portfolios and support financial inclusion. By offering affordable credit and insurance to smallholder farmers, these institutions have contributed to reducing poverty and promoting sustainable development in rural communities (SDG 1, SDG 8). Together, we are not just growing crops but growing better lives, ensuring that every farmer can thrive and contribute to a prosperous future.

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Social and environmental benefit

The program’s commitment to sustainability and social responsibility is evident. BLF promotes gender equality by empowering women entrepreneurs to manage BLF centers, challenging traditional gender roles, and creating new opportunities (SDG 5). “Women can lead, grow, and sustain communities just like anyone else,” affirmed a BLF representative. 

BLF has also introduced sustainable farming practices that have reduced the impact of agriculture on the environment. The use of advanced irrigation technology has allowed farmers to conserve water while maintaining high levels of productivity, ensuring that they can continue to grow crops in regions affected by water scarcity (SDG 6, SDG 12). “Every drop of water saved through efficient irrigation is a step toward a more sustainable world,” said a BLF representative.

Bayer’s Vision and Strategic Objectives

In an era where sustainability defines our future, Bayer steps forward with a renewed commitment—a pledge not just to witness but actively shape a world brimming with vitality. Recognizing its pivotal role amidst national food crises exacerbated by events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, Bayer’s Better Life Farming strategy emerged not merely as an answer but as a guiding light, leading smallholder farmers out of economic shadows cast by these tumultuous times.

Ronny stands testament to this mission: “In our nation’s most remote corners, where poverty clings stubbornly, we ignite hope—educating countless farmers in sustainable cultivation methods that promise bountiful harvests while respecting Mother Earth’s delicate balance. Our vision transcends borders; from local Indonesian fields we reach out globally, connecting dots across continents for prosperity rooted deeply in agricultural solidarity.”

Building Teams Around the Customer

Bayer’s strategy of building teams around the customer is a cornerstone of the BLF program. This approach ensures that the needs of farmers are prioritized, fostering a customer-centric culture that drives both purpose-driven and profit-driven impacts. By focusing on what customers need today and tomorrow, Bayer has restructured its teams to be more responsive and innovative through training and field activities. This strategy has led to increased time spent with customers and faster innovation cycles, ultimately benefiting the farming community (SDG 9, SDG 17).

Conclusion

BLF is not just about growing crops; it’s about growing better lives. By fostering resilience and sustainability, the program ensures that farmers can thrive even in challenging conditions. Together, we are not just growing crops but growing better lives. This holistic approach aligns perfectly with Bayer’s vision and strategic objectives for crop science, making a significant impact on both the agricultural sector and the broader community.

Interview

Ronny Setyawan, Smallholder Farmers Partnership Manager BLF