BANYUWANGI, EAST JAVA — Honey bee farmers in the Banyuwangi and Pasuruan regions of East Java often face challenging times from December to May. During this period, seasonal and weather conditions are unfavorable, leading to a decrease in bees’ productivity in producing honey. This issue poses a major challenge for the farmers.
Moreover, this situation creates another challenge for the farmers, that is facing financial difficulties. Farmers often find themselves forced to borrow money at high interest rates from banks or loan sharks to overcome their economic hurdles.
Therefore, Dompet Dhuafa East Java took the initiative to distribute aid in the form of goodwill loan funds to the farmers. The assistance was provided to 11 honey bee farmers in Alasbuluh Village, Wongsorejo Sub-district, Banyuwangi Regency on Thursday (25/1/2024).
Baca juga: Jalan Panjang Bantuan Kemanusiaan untuk Palestina Menembus Gerbang Rafah
Mei Saiful Rohman, the Coordinator of Empowerment Programs at Dompet Dhuafa East Java, mentioned that this program aims to enhance the financial stability of the farmers and strengthen honey as a primary consumption commodity for the community.
“Dompet Dhuafa East Java is here to offer an alternative solution with interest-free goodwill loan assistance, which is expected to help farmers in developing their business,” he said.
A honey farmer, Pulung (42), expressed that during the honey season (harvest), everything progresses and develops. However, during the off-season, the bees’ food needs become the top priority that must be addressed.
Baca juga:
Arrisa Fauziarachman, the Local Leader of the Dompet Dhuafa East Java Program, also stated that this program or the goodwill loan scheme is indeed beneficial for the farmers.
“The goodwill loan provided is interest-free, which certainly does not burden the farmers,” said Arrisa.
Hartono (54), one of the benefit recipients of the program, expressed his gratitude for the aid received, which has made him more at ease in managing the costs of bee feed.
“Alhamdulillah, with the assistance from Dompet Dhuafa, I can be more relaxed, not too worried about the cost of bee feed,” Hartono shared. (Dompet Dhuafa/Jawa Timur/ADP)