Emergency aid activity Aid activity for restoration, soil conditioning team, reconstruction team Sixth visit: To Kabupaten Aceh Utara, Kecamatan Tanah Pasir (May 16-17, 2005)

This time staffs from IKNFS (Indonesia Kyusei Nature Farming Society) Medan branch came along with us, so we were able to receive some advice about how to use EM for soil conditioning.

So far only we non-farmers had been engaged in this activity. This was the first chance for the people in Aceh to listen to the staffs actually promoting natural farming. Maybe the farmers were relieved by their advice, too.

At the same time we contacted the ministry of agriculture in North Aceh province. A report was made on what we have done so far, and our future plans were discussed. After the experimental field proved to be a success, the plan might be extended to 800 hectares of land damaged in the North Aceh province. According to the ministry of agriculture, there has been no word after FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) came for inspection. That means only our group is active in soil conditioning project. This is a big responsibility, and above all, we hope the farmers could return to their work as soon as possible.

On the second day, about 30 villagers of Matang Tunong gathered, and we gave out a lecture on EM and told them about our plans for the future. So far we had been talking only with Mr. Ismail, the leader of this area. The meeting was a good chance for us to make clear the meaning of the experiment. Although the experiments are now going on at Mr. Ismail's field, the aim is to decide how to treat the entire field in the village. It is always important not to give rise to unnecessary suspicions or jealousy.

Expenses (May 16, 17)
Relief goods
Setting fences around the field: Rp.1,700,000
Rental fee for lecture room: Rp.131,500
　Subtotal: Rp.1,831,500

Transportation
Car rental: Rp.1,948,000 (Incl. gasoline)
　Subtotal: Rp.1,948,000

Accommodation & Food expenses
Accommodation: Rp.360,000
Food expenses: Rp.265,000
　Subtotal: Rp.625,000

　Total: Rp.4,404,500

合計４，４０４，５００．ルピア