Time flows slowly in the Banda Islands. The sea glistens in calm shades of blue, and the wind carries the scent of nutmeg from plantations nurtured through generations. Here, among the damp soil and lush trees, the story of nutmeg begins—not in a factory, nor at an export dock, but beneath the shade of trees tended by local farmers.
Since colonial times, nutmeg has fascinated the world. Once more valuable than gold, this spice still serves as a bridge for Banda’s farmers to build a better future. Banda Naira Mandiri Cooperative plays a key role in helping them sustain the quality and the tradition of nutmeg cultivation.
Founded in 2023, Banda Naira Mandiri Cooperative doesn’t just connect farmers with markets—it walks with them. The cooperative helps shift how farmers perceive their harvest. They no longer see themselves as mere growers and sellers, but as stewards of a valuable commodity. Together, they grow with the cooperative, breathing new life into old traditions.
One of the cooperative’s leaders, Dirman, explained that the cooperative does more than buy nutmeg—it supports farmers throughout the process.
“We’re here to build long-term relationships, where quality and sustainability guide everything we do,” he said.
Through training and empowerment programs, the cooperative helps farmers move beyond anonymous transactions with intermediaries. Instead, they become part of a shared community. With support from EcoNusa Foundation and KOBUMI, the cooperative equips farmers with hands-on skills, from nutmeg sorting and post-harvest techniques to strategies for maintaining productivity despite shrinking land.
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One key innovation is the introduction of nutmeg-drying houses. These facilities help preserve nutmeg quality and open new opportunities to increase its market value.
Despite Banda nutmeg’s global appeal, farmers still face hurdles. Limited land forces tighter planting, which raises the risk of disease and lowers fruit quality. On Rhun Island, steep terrain adds another layer of difficulty. Droughts dry the soil in summer, while heavy rain causes flooding in the wet season, forcing early harvests.
“Farmers face real challenges, from climate shifts to limited space,” Dirman said. “But through the cooperative, we try to face them together. We create space for open dialogue and find solutions collaboratively.”
During the peak harvest season, the cooperative targets up to 15 tons of nutmeg. In smaller harvests, each farmer produces about 10–15 kilograms. Most nutmeg comes from Banda Besar Island, Rhun Island, and Ay Island.
“We source directly from farmers’ fields,” Dirman shared. “Then we temporarily store the nutmeg at our Gunung Api station before transporting it to the KOBUMI warehouse in Ambon.”
By working closely with farmers, the cooperative ensures every nutmeg remains traceable to the very hands that cultivated it. This collaboration isn’t just about trading goods. It’s about building a future and protecting nutmeg-growing traditions for the next generation. Most of all, it’s about nurturing meaningful, reciprocal relationships between the cooperative, the farmers, and the world now falling in love with Banda’s nutmeg.
