On April 18-22 2022, the Bina Tani Sejahtera Foundation (YBTS) invited 13 representatives of farmer groups and 3 selected Agricultural Field Officers (PPL) from Southwest Sumba Regency to conduct a comparative study in Kupang Regency and South Central Timor with the theme “Farmers Group Independence, Young Farmers, and Women Farmers through the Implementation of Good Agriculture Practice, Processing, and Integrated Activities.”

This comparative study activity is expected to be able to expand the network of farmers and develop potential, knowledge, and skills in the agricultural business.  One of the comparative study activities was to visit and study the land that belongs to the Laheroi Farmer Group in Noinbila Village, South Mollo District, South Central Timor.

“We have 7 active members who produce horticultural cultivation products. In addition, we also cultivate chickens and develop flower plants for agro-tourism,” said Rev. Benjamin Naralulu, the head of the Laheroi Bisuaf farmer group.

The visiting farmer groups also had the opportunity to learn about the manufacture of organic liquid fertilizer and eco enzymes as an alternative to rising fertilizer prices. It was seen that the participants were very enthusiastic about learning and doing hands-on practice.

 “Through this comparative study, Southwest Sumba farmers can see firsthand what the farmers who were involved in the field beforehand and what obstacles were encountered so that in the end they made agriculture their main source of livelihood,” explained Junike Susan Medah as project coordinator.