“Companionship with Plants: Sasaq’s Journey of Natural Farming in Yuefunan”
From a Soldier to a Farmer: Sasaq’s Journey
Yang’s farm is located in Yuefunan Tribe, Hongye Village, Wanrong Township. The breeze blows gently at the foot of the mountain, overlooking the distant Hongye River. For those of us unfamiliar with natural farming, the endless green “weeds” and layers of leaves obscure the crops waiting to thrive.
Yang’s Truku name is Sasaq. After retiring from the military as a sergeant 11 years ago, he wanted to return to his hometown to do something simple. Then why not be like the elders in the past living off the land? Without much hesitation, he picked up a hoe and started farming. “Communing with the land is the simplest!” Sasaq said. He naturally adopted conventional farming methods, also known as “industrialized farming method”, planting ginger, pineapple, and other crops.
“Over time, it gets very exhausting,” Yang said. He pointed out that the original intention of engaging in agriculture should have had been simple, comfortable, and relaxed. However, conventional farming forced him to focus on yield and profits, leading to increasing use of fertilizers and a heavier workload, which gradually took a toll on his physical and mental health.
Transition to Natural Farming: The Path of Coexisting with Nature
Six years ago, he was introduced to natural farming at Yu Shan Theological College, where he attended an enzyme-making course taught by a Korean teacher. He later joined local organizations promoting eco-friendly farming practices. Learning and experimenting along the way, he gradually realized that farming in harmony with nature was the type of lifestyle he preferred.
This plot of land, about one hectare, is planted with bamboo ginger, pineapple, dragon fruit, edible lilies, camellia oil, corn, and more. Many crops are hidden among layers of flowers and plants, making them difficult to identify.
Sasaq carefully explained that different plants require different planting methods, with varying natural materials for coverage. For example, ginger can be covered with wood chips, while dragon fruit can be piled with larger pieces of wood. He said natural farming is essentially “coexisting with weeds,” and some of his tribesmen often joke that they don’t understand what he is doing.
Selling Farm Products: The Blend of Nature and Culture
We asked him where he sells his farm products, he replied that it’s all in the stars: People he knows come to him themselves during harvest time.
Sometimes he sells directly by the roadside at his home. Therefore, it is all about luck.
When asked if natural farming could sustain his livelihood, Sasaq laughed and said he has been doing it for years, and his family has never gone hungry.If you are interested in purchasing natural toxin-free farm products or exchanging natural farming techniques, you can contact Sasaq. His farm is not just an agricultural base but also a manifestation of a lifestyle that harmoniously coexists with nature. Don’t miss out his sought-after ginger sugar!
