BOGOR – Agriculture plays a major role in society, especially in terms of food provision. Yet, farmers everywhere grapple with roadblocks to productivity and welfare.
Issues like extreme climate change, poor access to modern farming technology, and volatile commodity prices can often be taxing, and further aggravated by limited infrastructure support and credit accessibility. These especially ring true for a female farming group in Neglasari Village, part of Dramaga Subdistrict, Bogor Regency.
Fortunately, the collective is receiving attention, including from the private sector. Since 2023, the Korindo Foundation has run a program called Green Sponsorship, which helps tackle the many difficulties faced by the members.
This assistance has granted Onasih and her friends the freedom and chance they previously lacked, and turned a challenge into an opportunity for growth and prosperity. “This initiative has a major impact [on my life]. Not only does it improve my household income, it allows me to help my husband meet daily needs and pay for the kids’ school fees,” the woman said.
Leader of the farming group, Onasih enjoys huge benefits from Green Sponsorship. Before the Foundation came along, her most difficult challenge was eliminating reliance on middlemen, who restricted her ability to market the group’s produce.
With Korindo’s help, she and the other members can now choose to whom they sell their crops. Furthermore, they can enhance the value of their harvests through various marketing strategies.
“With the capital grants provided to us, our business was able to expand production. I started with cassava, then went on to plant purple eggplants, kangkong, and purple sweet potatoes. In a single picking season, I can reap eggplants up to 15 times,” she said.
Abdul Rohim, the farming group’s trainer, said there is potential for earning massive revenue. “On a 1,000 m2 area, Neglasari farmers can generate 3 to 4 million IDR per eggplant planting season. This vegetable allows for three harvests per week, with average yields ranging from 50 to 100 kg and prices costing between 4,000 and 5,000 IDR per kg. We hope to continue receiving support [from the Korindo Foundation].”
Reflecting on the group’s success, the Foundation pledges to remain committed to helping farmers and community associations, like the one in Neglasari. It aims to strengthen the agriculture sector, improve farmer prosperity, and leave a lasting, positive impact on local communities.
“I hope farmers get optimum results with our help. We look forward to seeing Neglasari’s farming industry grow and include more plant kinds as needed,” Korindo Foundation’s general manager Setiyono shared his hopes. (PR)