TheJakartaPost
Please Update your browser
Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.
Pengadegan Farmers Group harvests organic and hydroponic crops amid pandemic
Change Size
(Courtesy of Human Initiative)
R
eduction in employment caused by the prolonged and unforeseen COVID-19 pandemic, along with the ensuing emergency public activity restrictions (PPKM Darurat), has led to many low-income families facing economic hardships.
But creative and productive optimists always try to seek a solution under any circumstance instead of giving up to the situation.
The Pengadegan Farmers Group is one example. They utilize their yard and house walls to grow organic and hydroponic crops and fruits.
The farmers group, comprising residents living in neighborhood unit (RT) 10 and community unit (RW) 08 of Pengadegan, Pancoran subdistrict, South Jakarta, harvested the crops and fruit on Tuesday.
The crops that they harvested include water spinach, mustard greens, spinach), bok choy, beans, string beans and chilis.
The fruits they harvested that day included melons, honey squash, cherry tomatoes, papayas, grapes and passion fruit.
To date, the farmer group has had eight harvests.
Initiated by electricity company PT PLN Batubara and Human Initiative in 2020, the group aims to increase food security and members’ household economy amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The crop yields are sold to residents living around Pengadegan at an affordable price.
COVID-19 pandemic,”said Ferdiansyah Human Initiative Public Relations Manager.
Sutinah, 38, a widow with three children, was among the beneficiaries of the program.
“I thank the Pengadegan Farmers Group because these crops help us meet our need for basic food and nutrients,” she said.
Other residents of the area have also expressed their gratitude for the program.
“I enjoy buying these organic and hydroponic crops. They taste good and fresh. Alhamdulillah (thanks be to God), the crops can be delivered to my house quickly,” said Amsar, the wife of the Pengadegan RT08/RW08 head.
Human Initiative hoped that the farmers group can continue to support its neighborhood.
“Let’s pray that the organic and hydroponic plant-cultivating program can serve as a solution to ensuring food security amid the pandemic.”
