INAGRITECH 2025
July-August. 2025 | @ AGROBiz
INAGRITECH 2025
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Farming the microbial way
� BSAC Korea focuses on enhancing soil health through the use of microbial and enzyme-based fertilisers to improve crop quality and yield.
� EduFarmers demonstrated how data, mentorship, and youth can transform the farming industry.
� The organisation aims to scale projects that promote food security and empower rural communities.
THE recent INAG- RICHEM and INAGRITECH 2025, held at Jakarta International Expo( JIE), drew thousands of agri-industry stakeholders from across the region.
Among the returning exhibitors was BSAC Korea( BSAC), a company specialising in sustainable, organic fertilisers made from plant- and animal-based waste.
“ This is my second time visiting Agritech, and it’ s definitely bigger than last year,” said BSAC General Manager Park Hoi-jun.“ There are more visitors, which means people are more interested.”
BSAC, founded in 2008, produces two main types of fertilisers: one plant-based and the other animal-based. Both are made from materials that would otherwise be discarded.
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Park explained:“ For example, we use rice bran. After rice is harvested, the bran is usually thrown away. But we found that in powdered form, it works as a great raw material for fertiliser.”
This sustainable model not only reduces waste but also creates an economic loop.
“ We buy the rice bran from farmers, turn it into fertiliser, and sell it back to farmers again. It’ s a cycle that benefits everyone,” Park said.
The approach aligns with South Korea’ s broader agricultural strategy. Since the late 1990s, the Korean government has supported organic fertiliser manufacturers, helping them invest in production facilities and compete with cheaper chemical alternatives.
“ Organic fertiliser is more expensive,” Park admitted.“ But it’ s better for human health and
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Hoi-jun Park |
helps farmers get certified, which means they can charge more for their produce.”
Returning to INAGRITECH 2025 in Jakarta for the second time, Park noted the growing interest in the event:“ It’ s bigger than last year, and there are more visitors. People are paying attention to sustainability.”
This year, the company is also seeking local distributors to establish a presence in Indonesia. Park believes the region, especially countries
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like Indonesia and Malaysia, is ready for a shift.
“ People care about health, not just yield. Organic fertiliser links directly to better food for human consumption.”
As the region seeks to enhance food security and improve farming practices, BSAC’ s waste-based fertiliser model presents a compelling alternative, where discarded materials not only fuel crops but also promote long-term sustainability.
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Educating for growth
IN a country like Indonesia, where agriculture remains a vital economic pillar, the EduFarmers Foundation is cultivating more than just crops- they’ re growing the future of Indonesia’ s food systems by investing in its people.
Founded in 2015, the nonprofit aims
Yos Fahleza Rahmatullah to support the regeneration of agriculture through initiatives focused on food security, youth empowerment, farmer training, and a strong emphasis on data and technology.
At this year’ s INAGRITECH / INAGRICHEM 2025 exhibition, the organisation’ s Head of Business and
Channel Development, Yos Fahleza Rahmatullah, shared how its two flagship programmes are reshaping perceptions and outcomes in rural farming.
“ We believe agriculture is a promising career path, not something people fall back on,” said Yos.
“ But it needs the right support systems, especially for young people and smallholders.”
Plaza Bertani is a learning ecosystem centred on climate-smart, regenerative agriculture, designed to nurture a new generation of farmers and agriculture-literate youth.
What started as a small network of demo plots and in-person training has blossomed into a nationwide digital platform, showcased this year to thousands of curious visitors in Jakarta.
“ Farmers face challenges every day- from pests and plant disease to market access.
“ What Plaza Bertani offers is
real-time, accessible knowledge. We’ re giving them tools to solve their problems.”
Backed by Google. org, Plaza Bertani’ s latest advancement- a mobile app- uses localised AI trained in Bahasa Indonesia and Javanese. With just a smartphone, farmers can diagnose crop issues or get agronomic advice, drastically reducing dependency on extension agents or commercial input dealers.
With support from Google. org’ s two phases of funding, EduFarmers has expanded operations into Sulawesi and Kalimantan, reaching thousands of farmers.
Beyond that, the e-learning platform has taken root across classrooms in Java and beyond, teaching kids and teachers how to grow vegetables and understand food systems.
As climate challenges, food security, and youth unemployment converge, EduFarmers’ work is proven to be timely, demonstrating that the foundation’ s integrated approach to sustainable agriculture is possible when education meets grassroots action.- @ AGROBiz