he weather in Rembang Regency, Central Java, can be very hot. However, this is not an issue for Sudarti, a female tobacco farmer from Sudo Village. In fact, the hot weather is a blessing for her and the tobacco she harvests. With skillful hands, Sudarti arranges and ensures her tobacco is evenly spread out to dry quickly.
Sudarti has been a tobacco farmer for quite a long time. For ten years, she has been cultivating tobacco while participating in a partnership program by PT HM Sampoerna Tbk. (Sampoerna), implemented through supplier companies.
Before becoming a tobacco farmer, Sudarti worked in a factory. However, in 2014, she was laid-off from her previous company.
"After the layoff, I returned to Rembang. I was confused about what to do, but I decided to plant tobacco after a neighbor suggested it," she recalled.
As someone new to farming, Sudarti was inexperienced. Fortunately, through the partnership program she joined, she received training and assistance.
"I was guided and mentored from the beginning. From planting to post-harvest processes, I continuously received guidance," she said.
This daily support helped Sudarti grow her tobacco successfully. Of course, her diligence also played a significant role in her success.
Among the tobacco farmers in Sudo Village, Sudarti is well-known, not because she is a female farmer, but because of her persistence and dedication. It’s not uncommon to find Sudarti working on her farm late into the night, ensuring her land and tobacco are in good condition.
Boosting the local economy
After becoming a tobacco farmer, Sudarti’s economic situation improved significantly. For someone who had endured the hardships of being laid off, her current achievements were something she never imagined.
From the proceeds of her tobacco sales, Sudarti was able to buy a motorcycle and save for the future.
"The results from tobacco farming are always good. Now I own two motorcycles, one for daily needs and another for farm use," she explained.
Her farmland has also expanded to about 1.5 hectares. This prosperity is not only felt by Sudarti, but also by those around her. To help with planting and harvesting tobacco, Sudarti employs five local residents.
"They are neighbors I hire during the tobacco season. Previously, they didn’t have steady jobs during the dry season," she added.
As more tobacco farmers have emerged in her village, Sudarti admits that sometimes there’s competition to find laborers, especially during the dry season when other crops struggle to grow. Tobacco, however, thrives in dry and hot conditions.
"During the dry season, no one is unemployed. Sometimes, we even run short of workers," said Sudarti.
Stable employment
Sudarti’s story proves that tobacco farming can provide opportunities and benefits for anyone, including women. In Rembang, Sudarti is not the only woman involved in tobacco farming. Another example is Karmati, who works as a farm laborer on land owned by the head of Gunem Village. Like Sudarti, Karmati also benefits from tobacco farming and Sampoerna's partnership program.
She has been a tobacco farm laborer for 14 years and appreciates having steady work.
"The benefit of tobacco farming for me is having a job that provides daily income," Karmati said.
Previously, Karmati worked as a laborer for other crops. However, she found that tobacco farming has improved her and her family’s welfare.
"Tobacco farming provides daily work, and because of that, I earn a daily income," she said.
Beyond income, as a farm laborer for a Sampoerna partner farmer, Karmati also receives various training and mentoring through the partnership program.
"I’ve received training for the tasks I perform on the farm. The training is gradual and monitored daily," she explained.
She is grateful that her work as a tobacco farm laborer has enabled her children to complete their education and find jobs.
"Thank God, all my children are now employed," she said.
Sampoerna partnership program benefits
Sampoerna’s partnership program is implemented through tobacco supplier companies and aims to improve tobacco quality and farmers' welfare.
Through the program, participating farmers receive guidance, technical training, easy access to capital and agricultural infrastructure, as well as guaranteed purchase agreements based on mutual agreements.
The program’s benefits extend beyond partner farmers to their families and laborers, offering a variety of training programs. These initiatives aim to ensure the program’s positive impact is felt by the broader community surrounding the farmers, driving the local economy forward.
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