From Dependence on Middlemen to an Independent Farmer Community
The farming community in Lae Hole Village, Sidikalang, North Sumatra has had to struggle to make a living. Limited capital, unpredictable weather, and fluctuating market prices often cause their agricultural yields to suffer. This situation forces farmers to rely on middlemen for farming loans.
You are here to ease their burden. In March 2024, Obor Berkat Indonesia has provided agricultural capital assistance to 10 farming families in Lae Hole Village, Sidikalang, in the form of seeds, compost, fertilizer, and pesticides. They also received training in financial bookkeeping and simple compost making with the OBI team.
Their experience as cabbage farmers helped them to take good care of the cabbage plants. Finally, this farming community was able to harvest in July 2024. Mr. Arjon and his wife Bunga are one of the beneficiaries who enjoyed a very satisfactory harvest. From approximately 2.400m² of cabbage-planted land, Mr. Arjon and Mrs. Bunga were able to harvest crops worth IDR 20 million, far exceeding their previous target of IDR 10 million.
Mr. Arjon and Mrs. Bunga rely on farming for their daily living. The uncertain income posed a significant challenge for them in raising their four children. When money was tight, they would borrow from middlemen to buy seeds and fertilizers. These loans are usually paid back with interest after the harvest. This often left them burdened with debt if the harvest failed or market prices were unfavorable.
Through partners like you, Mr. Arjon’s hope of becoming an independent farmer has finally come true! With this excellent harvest, Mr. Arjon and Mrs. Bunga could pay off their outstanding debt to the middlemen and use part of the money as capital for the next cabbage crop. The remaining profits will be used for their children’s school needs and daily living expenses.
Mrs. Bunga is grateful they no longer have to worry about the debt burden for the next farming season. She thanks you for giving her family new hope toward independence.
“Thank God, we are very grateful to be able to pay off the debt and meet our children’s school needs. We will plant cabbage again when the weather is good. Thank you, OBI, for helping us.”
There are still many farmers like Mr. Arjon and Mrs. Bunga who need support. Let’s work together to provide the assistance needed to sustainably improve their quality of life.
