Collaboration, the Key to Success in Farming
Heronima Emiliana Loba, also known as Ibu Helni, initially worked as a staff member of the Regional Secretariat (SETDA) of Southwest Sumba Regency. In 2021, Ibu Helni joined the Department of Agriculture and Food Security of Southwest Sumba as a Field Agricultural Extension Officer (PPL). She was assigned to the Agricultural Extension Center in Wewewa Tengah District to assist 19 farmer groups in Kanelu and Limbu Watu Villages. Two of these groups, namely Tari Miku and Manuwai, are under the care of Yayasan Bina Tani Sejahtera (YBTS) through the Agricultural Livelihood through Integrated Approach (PERMATA) program supported by the William & Lily Foundation (WLF).
Working hand in hand with YBTS field officers, Ibu Helni observed the impact felt by farmer group members during the program. "Despite complaints regarding the rules and schedules being preceived as difficult, over time, farmers began to understand tips and tricks in horticultural cultivation. Some farmers even continued planting vegetables," she explained. Farmers also started considering market needs as part of their planting plans. Currently, the concept of good agricultural practices (GAP) is gradually being introduced to farmer groups in other villages. She hopes that these lessons qill continue to be applied by farmers.
In addition to providing benefits for farmer groups, Ibu Helni herself has experienced many benefits from collaborating with YBTS. "As a PPL with only 2 years of experience, I have gained a lot of new knowledge. In addition to GAP, I also learned to manage market schedules and calendars, which previously might only follow planting without considering market demand," she explained. She also realizes the various opportunities to improve the economy of farmers. Therefore, as PPL, she strives to change the mindset of farmers so that they slowly switch to agriculture that is economically promising. Ibu Helni hopes that by applying the knowledge that has been taught in the PERMATA program, more farmers will succeed in horticultural farming in the future. Although this journey has not been easy, Ibu Helni believes that success is not impossible to achieve. "Thank you YBTS and WLF for the knowledge, patience, and spirit of togetherness that have been provided. Although this collaboration ended too soon, I hope there will be time to collaborate again. Greetings to all farmers," she concluded.