YOGYAKARTA — The Happy Chicken Egg Program has been introduced as a solution to address the stunting issue in Indonesia. Stunting has been recognized as a national priority by the government of the Republic of Indonesia due to its adverse effects on the country’s human resource potential. Persistent stunting can hinder optimal growth in children, affecting their future prospects.
Dompet Dhuafa, an Islamic philanthropic institution, has turned its attention to the stunting crisis as well. With five core pillars, one of which is dedicated to public health for the disadvantaged, Dompet Dhuafa has initiated and implemented various programs, including the innovative Happy Chicken Egg Program.
In collaboration with PT Victus Nobis Asia and PT Agrinesia, Dompet Dhuafa has successfully launched the economic empowerment initiative, the Happy Chicken Egg Program. This initiative focuses on laying hen farming that emphasizes animal welfare, involving free-range rearing practices and the provision of high-quality feed to produce omega-rich eggs.
Baca juga: Atasi Stunting, Pemkot Jakut Gandeng Dompet Dhuafa Luncurkan Program Jakarta Beraksi
Beyond addressing stunting, the Happy Chicken Egg Program is also a vehicle for women’s economic empowerment. It is operated by two Women Farmers Groups (KWT) in Sleman, Yogyakarta: KWT Rukun Makmur and KWT Mekar.
The official launch of the Happy Chicken Egg Program took place on Thursday (28/12/2023) at KWT Mekar Jamblangan in Jamblangan Hamlet, Margomulyo, Seyegan, Sleman, Yogyakarta. Udhi Tri Kurniawan, the GM of Economic Development and Independence at Dompet Dhuafa, was present and delivered remarks during a talk show at the event.
Udhi expressed profound gratitude to PT Agrinesia and PT Victus Nobis Asia for their partnership with Dompet Dhuafa in rolling out this women’s empowerment initiative, specifically the Happy Chicken Program.
Baca juga: Dompet Dhuafa Farm Banten Luncurkan Pupuk Kandang Pemberdayaan Ekonomi
He further elucidated that the Happy Chicken Egg Program is aimed at two primary objectives: reducing stunting rates and bolstering the economy among the benefit recipients.
“Dompet Dhuafa is hopeful that this program will achieve at least two goals. The first is to support the reduction of stunting rates by producing animal protein in the form of highly nutritious eggs, thereby ensuring adequate nutrition for toddlers in particular. The second goal is to create a significant economic impact for the benefit recipients,” Udhi explained.
The participation of mothers from KWT Rukun Makmur and KWT Mekar in the Happy Chicken Egg Program is instrumental in enhancing family economies. Udhi expressed his aspiration for the program’s sustainability and continuous development.
Baca juga: Cegah Stunting, Dompet Dhuafa dan PT Petrogas Jatim Utama Cendana Gulirkan Program SIMCETING
“We wish for the program to be sustainable and to have a lasting impact on the community. The current initiative is just the beginning; we aim to expand it further in the coming years,” Udhi stated.
He added, “If the initial phase is successful, we will enter a phase of scaling up to increase the chicken population, thereby amplifying the financial benefits for the participants.”
The launch event was also graced by the presence of the Head of Food Security from the Department of Agriculture, Food, and Fisheries of Sleman Regency, the Head of UPTD BP 4 Region III Seyegan, representatives from Kapanewon Seyegan, the Village Head of Margomulyo, the Chairpersons of KWT Rukun Makmur and KWT Mekar.
The event concluded with a friendly gathering and a communal lunch for all attendees and guests. (Dompet Dhuafa/Ron)