Asian Farmers (AFA)

Empowering small scale women and men farmers in Asia

[Asian Farmers (AFA) @AsianFarmers]

🌍 Curious about #AFA's Priority Agenda #1? How can we ensure secured rights to natural resources, encompassing land, waters, forests, and seeds? 🌱🚜 Dive into the discussion by watching this video! #familyfarmers #supportfamilyfarmers

https://t.co/WleKZroLZQ

[Asian Farmers (AFA) @AsianFarmers]

Women-owned, women-managed daal mill in Gujarat, India drives rural change https://t.co/ujI9wAy5QD

[Asian Farmers (AFA) @AsianFarmers]

How Noni transformed her farm, her family, and her community https://t.co/7oDSUQKV20

[Asian Farmers (AFA) @AsianFarmers]

Empowering potato farmers in Gujarat through SEWA’s Cluster Farming initiative https://t.co/EycA8CC0mk

[Asian Farmers (AFA) @AsianFarmers]

The Bolaven Plateau Coffee Producers Cooperative (CPC) in Laos, representing 1,855 coffee-farming households, continues to scale new heights. ☕ Recognized in 2012 as Laos’ Best Coffee Exporter, CPC now exports premium green coffee directly to France while also producing high-quality roasted blends for the domestic market.

In 2024, CPC took another major step: with support from the #APFP–#FO4A program, the cooperative installed a 50kW solar hybrid system at its processing center. This upgrade cuts rising energy costs, powers roasting operations, and strengthens long-term sustainability.

CPC generated more than LAK 8.1 billion (USD 373,097) in gross profit in 2023, proof of what’s possible when small-scale farmers unite.

Today, CPC’s export volume has surged past 1,000 tons of green coffee per year.
🌱 Stronger farmers.
☀️ Cleaner energy.
📈 A growing cooperative model for all of Laos.

https://t.co/uSxSzFniXU

[Asian Farmers (AFA) @AsianFarmers]

With the support of the #APFP-#FO4A program, women leaders of the Cheab Samtipheap Satrey Klahan Agricultural Cooperative in Cambodia are strengthening organic farming, improving market access, and building resilient livelihoods. Through training, contract farming, and cooperative-led enterprises, women farmers are turning challenges into opportunities for inclusive and sustainable growth.

https://t.co/jee3L3nesA

[Asian Farmers (AFA) @AsianFarmers]

In the heart of Toraja, #Indonesia, coffee farmers are brewing a better future! ☕

Through the #Toraja Coffee Farmers Cooperative, supported by the Aliansi Petani Indonesia (API) and the #APFP-#FO4A program, 90 farmer groups are now strengthening their bargaining power, improving processing, and marketing their own brand.

With training in #cultivation, #postharvest, and #coffee processing, farmers can sell directly to consumers, securing fairer prices. Young farmers and women are also stepping up to keep Toraja’s Arabica coffee strong for generations to come. 🌱🌍

Read more: https://t.co/9PA1b1MOjL

[Asian Farmers (AFA) @AsianFarmers]

The wheat cluster initiative in Paato village has empowered women farmers by helping them reduce costs, improve yields, and adopt sustainable farming techniques. With support from SEWA and APFP-FO4A, farmers have enhanced their agricultural knowledge, financial stability, and overall well-being. https://t.co/nTCh6688tj

[Asian Farmers (AFA) @AsianFarmers]

The women farmers began working in the orchard and planted apple ber. Responsibilities were shared among the group, including watering, garden maintenance, berry care, plucking, sorting, and storing. When the crop was ready, the fruits were harvested, weighed, examined, and packaged by the sisters. The produce was then sent to the mandis of Agra and Delhi to secure good market rates. https://t.co/FbJ2AX8Aoy

[Asian Farmers (AFA) @AsianFarmers]

What started as a struggle for survival has turned into a story of resilience and hope, showing how women farmers, when empowered with the right tools and knowledge, can transform their lives and communities. https://t.co/DHM0HvL4XY

[Asian Farmers (AFA) @AsianFarmers]

In the northern district of #Dinajpur, #Bangladesh, farming is more than a livelihood — it is a way of life. But for many smallholder farmers, the journey from planting to harvest has long been a struggle marked by financial hardship.

Most farmers are forced to take high-interest loans from moneylenders just to begin cultivation. With limited access to affordable credit, many fall into debt, while the rising cost of seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides cuts further into their income. Access to government loans is difficult due to complex paperwork and documentation requirements that most small farmers cannot meet.

Even after harvest, challenges continue. Farmers must bear transport costs and taxes, only to face buyers who bargain down prices, leaving them with little profit for their months of hard work.

To address these issues, the Dighon CIG Cooperative in Dinajpur, with support from the COAST Foundation, developed a business plan that aims to maximize the benefits for farmers through the commercialization of agricultural goods. In 2021, the cooperative secured around USD 29,000 in project funding from the APFP-FO4A program. With this support, the cooperative launched a pilot project on aromatic rice production, a high-value crop in the region. In 2022, Dighon CIG distributed interest-free loans to 150 farmer members, including women farmers who often face barriers in accessing financial support due to societal norms.

Beyond financial aid, the cooperative and COAST Foundation, the national implementing agency of APFP-FO4A in Bangladesh, the also provided technical guidance and logistical support during cultivation. Government representatives also helped oversee the project’s management.

After harvest, the cooperative collects members’ rice directly, helping them save on labor and transport costs while ensuring they receive fair prices.

Taking the next step toward sustainability, Dighon CIG launched its own brand of aromatic rice and opened a retail outlet, where their products are now sold alongside other marketplaces.

The APFP-FO4A program is implemented by the Asian Farmers’ Association for Sustainable Rural Development (AFA) and La Via Campesina (LVC), with funding support from the European Union (EU) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). The program aims to strengthen the capacities of farmers’ organizations to provide economic services, advocate for enabling policies, and promote sustainable livelihoods for small-scale family farmers across Asia. https://t.co/w4Gf4A0cFs

[Asian Farmers (AFA) @AsianFarmers]

Women-owned, women-managed daal mill in Gujarat, India drives rural change https://t.co/ujI9wAyDGb

[Asian Farmers (AFA) @AsianFarmers]

From the forest to the table, and from tradition to innovation! 🍯

In #Pandeglang, #Indonesia, the Hanjuang Cooperative is turning forest honey into sweet opportunities for local farmers. 🌳🐝 With support from the Aliansi Petani Indonesia (#API), farmers are learning sustainable harvesting, improving quality with new technology, and reaching wider markets through digital platforms. 💻

https://t.co/TslpKvdeui

[Asian Farmers (AFA) @AsianFarmers]

In Polewali Mandar, West Sulawesi, #Indonesia, the Amanah Farmer Organization and Mitra Agribisnis Mandiri Amanah are turning innovation into action, empowering cocoa farmers to grow sustainably and earn more from their hard work. 🍫

With support from the Indonesian Peasants’ Alliance (API) through the #APFP-#FO4A program (funded by the #EU and IFAD), and in collaboration with Rikolto Indonesia and local government, the cooperative is building a future where farmers thrive together. 👩🏽‍🌾

Through training, cluster-based cocoa fermentation, and direct market partnerships, 1,431 farmers across nine sub-districts are improving the quality of their cocoa — and their income!

“The welfare of farmers is not just a slogan,” says Hasani, Chairman of the Sustainable Cocoa Development Unit. “It can be measured by the added value they gain from their cocoa.”

https://t.co/hZBLJzDniy

[Asian Farmers (AFA) @AsianFarmers]

Through funding support from the APFP-FO4A program @AsiaPacFarmers, the Western Rhi-Boi Farmer Producer Cooperative Society established a Common Resource Center, which has become an important space for collective learning, production, community activities, as well as a collection center and storage for the FO's products. The FO also acquired a solar dryer, enabling farmers to process food products more efficiently and improve their income through value addition.

For farmer City Sokhwai, the FO has opened doors to continuous learning. She recalls the many trainings she and fellow members received: leadership development, food processing skills like making pickles and chips, proper packaging techniques, and even marketing their products. https://t.co/LLFC6jDa1z

[Asian Farmers (AFA) @AsianFarmers]

How Noni transformed her farm, her family, and her community https://t.co/7oDSUQKncs

[Asian Farmers (AFA) @AsianFarmers]

Empowering potato farmers in Gujarat through SEWA’s Cluster Farming initiative https://t.co/EycA8CC0mk

[Asian Farmers (AFA) @AsianFarmers]

With the support of the #APFP-#FO4A program, women leaders of the Cheab Samtipheap Satrey Klahan Agricultural Cooperative in Cambodia are strengthening organic farming, improving market access, and building resilient livelihoods. Through training, contract farming, and cooperative-led enterprises, women farmers are turning challenges into opportunities for inclusive and sustainable growth.

https://t.co/jee3L3nesA

[Asian Farmers (AFA) @AsianFarmers]

The Bolaven Plateau Coffee Producers Cooperative (CPC) in Laos, representing 1,855 coffee-farming households, continues to scale new heights. ☕ Recognized in 2012 as Laos’ Best Coffee Exporter, CPC now exports premium green coffee directly to France while also producing high-quality roasted blends for the domestic market.

In 2024, CPC took another major step: with support from the #APFP–#FO4A program, the cooperative installed a 50kW solar hybrid system at its processing center. This upgrade cuts rising energy costs, powers roasting operations, and strengthens long-term sustainability.

CPC generated more than LAK 8.1 billion (USD 373,097) in gross profit in 2023, proof of what’s possible when small-scale farmers unite.

Today, CPC’s export volume has surged past 1,000 tons of green coffee per year.
🌱 Stronger farmers.
☀️ Cleaner energy.
📈 A growing cooperative model for all of Laos.

https://t.co/3GAOq69otK

[Asian Farmers (AFA) @AsianFarmers]

JAMTANI, supported by APFP-FO4A, has taken a major step in climate action by helping draft the Regional Action Plan for Climate Change Adaptation (RAD-API) in Pangandaran, West Java.

💬 “Policies don’t always match community needs. Through this advocacy, we make sure development truly benefits local people,” said Kustiwa Adinata, Chairman of JAMTANI.

🤝 Working together with Bappeda and IPB, JAMTANI now plays an active role in shaping climate-friendly programs, especially those that support farmers and rural communities. The RAD-API will guide development across sectors like agriculture, health, environment, and public works.

🏘️ Why this matters:
• Community proposals are now more likely to be heard through Musrenbang
• Village funds are starting to support human-resource development, not just infrastructure
• Private companies are encouraged to channel CSR funds to areas that need them most

🔥 “The struggle isn’t over. We must keep monitoring to ensure climate-friendly development continues,” Kustiwa emphasized.

https://t.co/MOnjQHQQJS

[Asian Farmers (AFA) @AsianFarmers]

The Bolaven Plateau Coffee Producers Cooperative (CPC) in Laos, representing 1,855 coffee-farming households, continues to scale new heights. ☕ Recognized in 2012 as Laos’ Best Coffee Exporter, CPC now exports premium green coffee directly to France while also producing high-quality roasted blends for the domestic market.

In 2024, CPC took another major step: with support from the #APFP–#FO4A program, the cooperative installed a 50kW solar hybrid system at its processing center. This upgrade cuts rising energy costs, powers roasting operations, and strengthens long-term sustainability.

CPC generated more than LAK 8.1 billion (USD 373,097) in gross profit in 2023, proof of what’s possible when small-scale farmers unite.

Today, CPC’s export volume has surged past 1,000 tons of green coffee per year.
🌱 Stronger farmers.
☀️ Cleaner energy.
📈 A growing cooperative model for all of Laos.

https://t.co/uSxSzFmL8m