|
|
|
|
|
Home gardens in Java
The combination of home gardens and irrigated rice cultivation is the main farming system in the densely populated lowland areas of Java. Home gardens are generally dominated by trees rather than herbaceous crops, but the range and type of crops vary. Where farmers have enough land under rice production to meet their basic needs, this takes priority. The home gardens - usually tended by women - are essentially forest gardens with trees grown for their commercial value. But where landholdings are small and rice production must be supplemented, the home garden, and the cash it generates, assume more importance. The home garden may account for as much as 75 percent of cultivated land. As the proportion of land devoted to rice production decreases, the home gardens are cultivated more intensely. A typical home garden will contain several types of fruit-trees, such as guava, mango, rambutan, banana and star apple. Coconuts, sugar cane and a selection of herbs, spices and vegetables will also be included. Some animals may be kept. The mixture satisfies needs for food, fodder, fuelwood and income. |
||||||||
|
| ||||||||
|
|
