2012 Redevelopment Parcel 6 Batu 11

Year 2012 shall be Redevelopment. We are moving back to our start up point and this time we shall do things all over again, basing on the data acquired. Through this inductive action, we shall improve on things there were done initially and add on things that was not done. We shall start with Parcel (Rubber) that has the easiest access.

Parcel 6 Batu 11, planned to do a weeding session soon. Waiting for a dry window for us to do a herbicide spray followed by a fertilizing run. Traditionally January & February we should be having low average rain fall, but the rain are still being carried forward. We had already added lots of Banana trees, some Avocado and Breadfruit trees ending December. This Parcel was started in July 2011 and there is not much idle land here, as those remainder as very steep, towards the creek in the middle and a valley with water run off to the same creek. Redevelopment here shall most probably be very slow, estimating running to 4 to 5 years as we need to "reclaim" back the land feet by feet. It has to be done with manual labor as it's too steep for the bulldozer to move in.
Estimated harvesting of Bananas should begin 3rd quarter of this year, in time for year end. Breadfruit 2 to 3 years, Rubber 3.5 to 4.5 years and Avocado 4 to 6 years down the road. A small quantity of groundnuts shall be ready around March but shall be kept as seeds for future corps. We shall also work on the in-between terrace, hope to plant some mid term crops here. The feedback from our neighbor (planted his rubber trees here 6 years ago) that he has tested lots of short term crops with no success. Hope we have better luck. Outlook for Parcel 6 for year 2012 shall be negative as with the targeted harvest of Banana during the 3rd quarter may not be sufficient to cover for the expenses for the whole year. We therefore need to work out some successful short term crops here. Let's see what we can come out with.

Ending Year 2011

Year 2011 had just ended and am reflecting on the progress so far, since taking over the management  in October. This was a very challenging period as I need to learn up agriculture, management in agriculture and marketing our produce in a very short time. Being away from love ones, had some toll on me too. Thankfully  I have all the support from my love ones, family members as well as partners. Even though it was a bit stressful, this is a rare opportunity to have a 'crash course' hands-on experience.

Had done up and documented the Smart Partnership Joint Venture Agreement with our partners to work on these lands, developing it to a rubber plantation. Agreement for Parcel 1, 2 & 6 had been signed. Awaiting the return of Agreement for Parcel 3. These agreement map out the responsibility, expectation of all partners so as we can progress and move ahead with a streamline and focused direction. Being a long term project, that may last up to 25 years this also provides a continuity in terms of administration.

Am in the final stages of getting the work pass for our Indonesian helpers. This permit is for 3 years and we are doing it without the help of agents in order to save cost. Agents charge a fee of $1,400 to $1,800 per head.

Accessed all the land area of all Parcel, identified areas that we can still develop. I find there are still plenty of potential in all the Parcel. Making plans to expand the coverage as by increasing the planting density, as it shall contribute more during harvesting. Shall start with those that have the easiest access area. Parcel 1 & 6, followed by 3 then 2. Parcel 7 is still under the land dispute and shall have to wait till it's sorted out.

The trials conducted is almost done and had identified some short/mid/long term crops that we can plant and market. Groundnuts, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, tapioca and corn are the short term corps. Banana shall be the main mid term crop as it can be grown on all the Parcels. Long term crops are mostly fruits trees like Avocado and Sukun (Breadfruit). We had also finish conducting our marketing studies on these crops.

Am grateful that I had learn a lot these few months, which shall be put to full use this year. Had also build a strong working relation with helpers as well as partners. Morale and commitment had a big boost especially from our helpers. Year 2012, shall catch up and further our initial progress. Year 2012 shall be our year of Redevelopment.