From Perseverance to Success: The Success Story and Transformation of the Farmers’ Group in Makalelon
After successfully harvesting a satisfying chili crop with agricultural assistance until early 2024, the farmers’ group in Makalelon, consisting of five members, has once again been successful with their patchouli crop.
This time, they decided to switch from growing chili to exploring the possibility of growing patchouli, using the capital they were able to set aside from their previous chili harvest. In April 2024, they began planting 2,500 seedlings, followed by a second planting of 2,000 seedlings in July 2024, and a third planting of 500 seedlings in August 2024. In total, they planted 5,000 patchouli plants.
Perseverance That Pays Off
Every month, the farmers in Makalelon work together to maintain the crops, from cleaning to fertilizing. OBI has also supported this group by providing training on how to make organic compost to increase their knowledge and innovation in farming.
The high demand for patchouli seedlings from other farmers in the area opened up sales opportunities for the group. After the patchouli plants are six months old, they start harvesting seedlings from the tops of the plants and gradually sell them at Rp 500-600 per seedling, with an average sales volume of 5,000-10,000 seedlings per day. Each sale they make is also recorded in a complete accounting system under the guidance of OBI to ensure that the proceeds are distributed evenly.
By the end of October 2024, the demand for seedlings continued to increase, so they harvested daily to supply other farmers. Additionally, they have become a blessing by training other farmers in patchouli cultivation.
At the end of this year, the farmers’ group plans to harvest the patchouli stems for oil distillation. They are currently studying the distillation process to obtain essential oil that can be sold on the market.
Life-Changing Assistance
Mr. Harto Lalaki (47 years old) is the field leader of the Makalelon farmers’ group. He lives with his wife and two children. Before receiving assistance, Mr. Harto was just a farmer who spent his days hanging out, drinking and smoking. As a result, his family could only afford to meet their daily food needs, while his two children required funds for school.
However, his life changed when you gave Mr. Harto the opportunity to develop the agricultural capital assistance from OBI. The regular support in terms of skill enhancement and spiritual guidance has also helped Mr. Harto become a better person. The responsibility entrusted to him as the leader of the farmers’ group encouraged him to gradually leave behind his old habits of hanging around, drinking and smoking. Every morning before work, he and the other members pray together to bless their farm.
Fortunately, their hard work has paid off! All the proceeds from the sale of their crops are used to meet the needs of their family, and Mr. Harto was able to purchase a motorcycle to transport his children to school, which is 15 kilometers from their home.
Mr. Harto is very grateful to OBI and the donors who have made a difference in his life.
“I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to Obor Berkat Indonesia for helping us. May God bless you and may you always be successful and a blessing to others.
Are you inspired by the story of the Makalelon farmers’ group? Together, let’s continue this good work and make a difference for other families in this nation.
