Living off the land

29 August 2024

By AVV

PENAMPANG: Farming is an integral way of life for the majority of residents in Kg Togudon, Penampang. The community engages in cultivating a diverse array of food plants, not only to sustain their families but also to generate economic income.

The lush land and favourable climate of Kg Togudon provide an ideal environment for growing a variety of crops, including vegetables, fruits, and hill paddy. This agricultural diversity ensures that families have access to fresh, nutritious food while also allowing them to sell surplus produce in local markets.

Farming in Kg Togudon is more than just a means of survival; it fosters a strong sense of community and connection to the land.

Through cooperative efforts and shared resources, farmers support one another in their agricultural endeavors, creating a resilient network that strengthens their livelihoods.

As the community continues to adapt to changing economic conditions, the emphasis on both sustenance and profit ensures that farming remains a vital part of life in Kg Togudon, enriching both the local economy and the natural heritage of the area.

However, the community needs to have ownership of the land they are cultivating. As of now, they are still holding on to the land their parents had tended and applied for in the past.

Michael Poison, 29, of Kg Togudon, is a young farmer who wishes to thrive in this sector. He therefore felt a profound sense of gratitude as he learned that the land he had applied for would soon be granted to him. His family had dedicated over six decades to diligently working the land, nurturing it with care and determination. However, because the terrain was steep and hilly, it had not been awarded to them as was customary by the Lands and Survey Department.

This land had been a dream deferred for generations, but now, the opportunity was finally within reach. Michael understood his parents and grandparents' struggles to keep this dream alive. They had worked tirelessly on this piece of earth, and now it was his turn to honour their legacy, to cultivate and nurture the land just as they had done before him.

Michael felt a renewed sense of purpose with the land grant on the horizon. He was ready to take up the mantle and transform the land into a thriving testament to his family's perseverance.

“I will plant more fruit trees on the piece of land I applied for, which is about five acres. I have planted durian trees, but they are not bearing fruits yet. Besides that, I also planted catch crops such as vegetables and yam, among others. I want to be a successful fruit farmer, and when the land is legally mine, I can work on it without apprehension,” he said.

Jalina Minol, a dedicated wife and mother with a passion for farming, joyfully recounted her experiences working alongside her husband on their land. Together, they diligently planted a variety of crops including vegetables, durian, and dragon fruits, as well as hill paddy. Jalina expressed her happiness and anticipation for the future, as the land they cultivated would soon be officially theirs. This sense of ownership would enable her to continue working the land without the worry of encroachment, allowing her to fully focus on her farming endeavours.

Kulimin Luhong, a 60-year-old man who married a woman of that village, enthusiastically joined her in tending to the land. He expressed his happiness at the prospect of receiving their land grant soon, although he had some concerns about potentially being on the border of two other districts in addition to Penampang.

Despite this, he cast his vote for the Penampang Parliamentary Constituency, so he believed that his land would still be eligible for the grant. With plans to cultivate rubber trees, Kulimin looked forward to the future with optimism.

Linus Kogid, 55, who has planted durian and rubber trees said he was very happy to hear that they would be getting their land grant soon as he wanted to plant more of these trees. He said the future would be better for him and his family if they had more food plants as it can help them economically. With the assurance that the land was theirs, they could farm it without apprehension.

All recipients expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Penampang Member of Parliament Datuk Ewon Benedick for his instrumental role in helping them acquire their land grants through the Special Sabah Native Land Surveying Programme (PANTAS).

During his speech at the launch of land surveying in Kg Togudon, Ewon emphasised the importance of valuing the land grants they were about to receive. He advised the recipients to cherish and cultivate their land instead of selling it. After enduring a long wait for this opportunity, they should recognise the significance of their grants and the potential they hold for their future.

Ewon also encouraged the villagers to consider exploring additional ventures, such as establishing homestays. He highlighted the region's invigorating air and the stunning beauty of its natural environment, which remains largely unspoiled by overdevelopment.

By embracing these opportunities, the villagers could not only enhance their livelihoods but also contribute to the sustainable development of their community while preserving the unique charm of their surroundings.

The launch of the PANTAS programme did indeed represent a new beginning for the villagers, providing them with the assurance and support needed to cultivate their land and explore new economic opportunities while fostering a deep appreciation for their natural heritage.