Het stroomgebied van de Barito : landbouwkundige kenschets en landbouwvoorlichting

A description was given of the geology, topography, vegetation, climate and other characteristics of the Barito watershed in Borneo with a classification of soils and agricultural regions. For the lowlands and swamps wet rice cultivation was used as a criterion. Details were given of rice growing and its adaptation to the specific conditions of these lowlands and swamps, some of which were tidal.An analysis was given of the population, its composition, origin and social and economic characteristics, the relation of agricultural and cultural phases of the population, and the function and working of the agricultural advisory service. This service succeeded in restoring local institutions to organize provisional water boards and encourage wet rice cultivation. The advisory service also promoted rural handicrafts.More local participation was needed from the beginning in all development efforts, such as reclamation, irrigation and drainage projects, to develop self reliance and initiative. There were great opportunities for rural development even on lands earlier classified unsuitable for commercial agriculture. A soil survey of the main agricultural regions was urgently needed. 3 maps were added.