BAYER TABELA PROJECT

Bayer Tabela is a method of rice cultivation by direct seeded planting which was developed by Bayer CropScience in Indonesia with a simple and efficient modified tool called the "Baytani" seeder. The Baytani seeder is provided for growers use as part of the Tabela program. Bayer CropScience is a provider of integrated agricultural technology through good quality seed and crop protection products for sustainable agriculture, while building a close cooperation with agricultural stakeholders in Indonesia.

Through the Bayer Tabela project, Bayer actively supports the government program of food security, sustainable rice self-sufficiency and the possibility to develop rice exports. Bayer Tabela helps farmers improve their efficiency by reducing labor costs for planting, reducing water requirements and shortening the time required for planting.   Bayer Tabela gives solutions for areas lacking water supply during the dry season as it can reduce water consumption up to 20%. Farmers also see Tabela saving labor costs, accelerating the time of harvest, and giving a rice crop that is more healthy and robust.

For the environment, Bayer Tabela can reduce methane gas emissions (CH4) compared to transplanted rice which needs flooding water through most of the season. This is due to the intermittent irrigation needs of direct-seeded rice compared to transplanted rice. Bayer CropScience began the development of Tabela in 2007. In 2008 the company introduced this method to 7 districts in Central Java (Klaten, Bantul, Sukoharjo, Boyolali, Sragen, Pemalang, Tegal), 2 districts in East Java (Ngawi and Madiun), and 4 districts in West Java (Indramayu, Subang, Karawang, Sumedang).

Today there are about 1,000 demo plots, and more than 20,000 farmers have received training. Many Government extension employees have also been introduced to Bayer Tabela technology.  Bayer CropScience has employed more than 100 agriculture degree graduates to further advance the introduction.