Nurwira Santini, a dedicated youth farmer, often supplemented her family’s income by working as a day laborer, planting and harvesting corn and rice. Her husband also took on similar day labor jobs, working in construction and helping with corn harvests. Despite their hard work, the family’s income was inconsistent, prompting Nurwira Santini to seek ways to improve their financial situation.

When she learned about the Let’s Grow program by YBTS, Nurwira Santini saw an opportunity to change her circumstances. With courage and determination, she joined the program, choosing tomatoes as her first crop. This marked her initial foray into horticulture, and she approached it with diligence and care. From seeding to transplanting, fertilizing, and spraying, she managed every step herself. Her husband assisted with the more physically demanding tasks, such as preparing the land, creating beds, and applying mulch, although his help was limited due to his own work commitments.

Despite facing skepticism from neighboring farmers who grew corn and doubted the viability of her tomato venture, Nurwira Santini remained undeterred. They often commented on the intensive care tomatoes required, but she ignored the naysayers and maintained regular communication with the Technical Field Officer (TFO) for guidance.

Her perseverance bore fruit—literally. The tomato plants thrived, yielding a plentiful harvest that sold at a rewarding price. Nurwira Santini earned a profit of Rp19,500,000 from her first tomato season. This success brought her immense joy, as she could now contribute significantly to her family’s finances. The earnings helped cover her children’s school fees, allowed her to save money, and even purchase jewelry as a future investment.

Emboldened by her success, Nurwira Santini expanded her farming endeavors. In the second planting season, she cultivated long beans and cucumbers, and in the third, she ventured into growing curly chilies. Each new crop brought its own challenges and learning opportunities, but her initial success had instilled a confidence that propelled her forward.

Nurwira Santini’s journey from uncertainty to success not only transformed her family’s financial outlook but also inspired those around her. She demonstrated that with hard work and the right guidance, it is possible to overcome skepticism and achieve remarkable results.