The hope of farmers to get a better life and have a degree of independence is something natural. This condition makes it possible for achieved a reciprocal balance between farming actors. A balanced mutual awareness is a basis for getting independence. This study aimed to explore the characteristics and functions of balanced reciprocity to farmers' self-reliance. This qualitative research uses a phenomenological semi-grounded method. The research's location purposively determines in Purbalingga Regency and Banyumas Regency, Central Java. The results of this research revealed that the realization of all functions was able to encourage balanced reciprocity to increase the independence of farmers in managing to farm. Farmers who can fight for a reciprocal balance tend to be able to increase their independence. Recommendations suggested are the need to maintain the nature and function of reciprocity, both from economic and social motives. The role in strengthening the exchange of farming business actors needs optimization so that reciprocal relations remain mutually beneficial.