The benefits extend beyond the economic aspects and have had a positive impact on local communities and lives. The residents who have been participating in the program since 2014 have become more prosperous as confirmed by Supriyono, 45, Head of Dayu Hamlet.

Supriyono recalled that in the beginning, only seven residents joined the program as partner farmers. Today, the number of partner farmers has grown more than fourfold to 31 partners, after other residents were inspired to join the program on observing the success and growing prosperity of their neighbors.

“Tobacco farming now plays a vital role in supporting the community's livelihood. In addition to staple crops like rice, tobacco has become a mainstay for the [local] economy,” Supriyono said, during an interview at his home in Dayu Hamlet.

The program’s positive impact is evident, especially after harvest season. Partner farmers can renovate their homes, purchase agricultural equipment or private vehicles, even expand their farms.

“There are many changes. After the tobacco harvest, almost all farmers renovate their houses. Some buy land, motorcycles and other things,” Supriyono said.

He also said the program had contributed to a higher level of education for the community, as farmers could now afford schooling for their children to higher levels.

“The children’s education has improved, because the income from tobacco farming covers their school expenses,” he said.

Creating jobs

The partnership program has also reduced the area of agricultural land left idle during the dry season, as farmers can now cultivate tobacco on those plots.

“Thankfully, tobacco has been continuously cultivated. Sometimes, even during the rice planting season, tobacco can still be harvested,” Supriyono said.

He also highlighted that the tobacco farming partnership program had created numerous new jobs, with Dayu’s farmers recruiting workers from elsewhere to meet the hamlet’s labor demand.

“All residents here are engaged in tobacco farming, and sometimes we even need to bring in workers from other villages,” he said.

These workers are usually needed to prepare land during planting season and again when tobacco harvest season arrives.

From a social perspective, Supriyono said the program has led to residents’ increased participation in community activities. For example, whenever there is a social gathering in the hamlet, partner farmers provide supports, including financially.

“Now, it’s easier for people to take part in social activities. Whatever event we have, it runs smoothly because we have the funds. Participation and enthusiasm are much higher,” he said.

Supriyono expressed hope that Sampoerna would continue with the partnership program, particularly for tobacco farmers in Dayu, as it had contributed significantly to the hamlet’s economy and farmers’ lives.

Increasing incomes

Suprapto, 51, who owns a mom-and-pop store in Wonogiri, has also benefited from the presence of tobacco farming.

His store in Sumberharjo village, Eromoko subdistrict, has grown significantly since Sampoerna’s partnership program entered the area in 2014.

“In terms of income, my business has increased by around 50 percent, thanks to the partnership program. Every year, it grows,” he said.

Suprapto’s store sells a variety of goods, including vegetables, snacks and staple food, and because farmers were now more financially stable as a result of the partnership program, they were better able to afford their daily needs.

“I’ve seen people’s prosperity increase. Many now own motorcycles. This becomes an opportunity that I can benefit from. In fact, I have been able to expand my business,” he added.

Suprapto also hopes the partnership program will continue to help local residents to thrive.

“I hope tobacco farming remains strong and continues here in Sumberharjo as well as in Eromoko,” he said.

Empowering farmers, communities

Sampoerna’s partnership program, implemented in collaboration with supplier, aims to improve the quality of tobacco while also improving farmers' lives and welfare.

The partnership program provides farmers with mentoring and technical guidance, as well as easier access to funding, agricultural infrastructure and guaranteed sales on agreed terms, creating a safe and fair working environment.

In addition to supporting tobacco farmers, the program provides training to reduce the environmental impacts of their activities.

It also includes workshops to empower and mentor farmers' wives in business, ensuring that the partnership extends holistically to include the broader community.