PARIAMAN, WEST SUMATRA – On a Wednesday afternoon (11/10/2023), Dompet Dhuafa had the opportunity to visit Ali Akbar (56) at the DD Farm Rumah Gadang camp. This simple 2-hectare farm features four buildings, each serving a different purpose, nestled under the shade of coconut trees.
Despite the scorching sun, the cool and green surroundings of the farm provide a refreshing atmosphere, especially when a breeze rustles through the trees, accompanied by the refreshing taste of coconut water. We comfortably chatted, enjoying the setting.
The farm is located near Ali’s home in Simpang Ampek Hamlet, Padang Pariaman. There, Ali was eager to share his story of struggle during his time in the capital city of Jakarta. He realized that living in someone else’s land is not as comfortable as in his hometown. Ali Akbar, a native of Padang Pariaman, has benefited from the Livestock Program at DD Farm Rumah Gadang.
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The West Sumatra earthquake in 2009 marked Ali’s first encounter with Dompet Dhuafa, prompting him to become involved as a volunteer in building temporary shelters for earthquake survivors. This involvement continued until Dompet Dhuafa Singgalang established DD Farm Rumah Gadang in 2021.
Initially, 100 sheep were placed on the farm, while DD Singgalang also placed 200 sheep at a farm in Solok. That same year, DD Farm Rumah Gadang participated in the Dompet Dhuafa THK program.
To run a professional farming system, Dompet Dhuafa Singgalang assigned a livestock mentor with a degree in agriculture. Ali learned a lot from this mentor, and by the time the mentor’s term ended, Ali was capable of handling everything on his own.
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DD Farm Rumah Gadang is managed by four active farmers from the local community, who diligently maintain the farm daily. A cooperative group named “Agrowisata DD Farm” was formed, encompassing 12 local farmers.
“Each of the four individuals has specific tasks according to a schedule, including foraging for grass, cleaning the barn, and preparing feed,” explained Ali.
The income from DD Farm Rumah Gadang is carefully managed, with 35% allocated for barn development, 35% for social purposes, and the remaining 30% distributed to the farmers as profit.
In 2022, DD Farm Rumah Gadang expanded further, attracting collaboration with YBM PLN. Consequently, a new barn was constructed specifically for sheep breeding.
Over three years, or during three cycles of the THK program, DD Farm Rumah Gadang has seen a consistent increase in growth. In 2022 itself, 148 sheep were allocated for the THK program, targeting five districts for distribution.
The barn can accommodate up to 300 sheep. However, during Dompet Dhuafa’s visit, there were 80 sheep, including seven female breeders and one male. These were leftovers from the previous THK cycle, being prepared for the next one.
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“To meet the THK quota, DD Farm sources young stock from local farmers, both within and outside the region,” said Ahmad Faisal Hasibuan from Dompet Dhuafa Singgalang’s Economic Program Division.
Aside from daily farm work, Ali also engages in various odd jobs, including farming and laboring. He credits the agricultural graduate mentor at DD Farm Rumah Gadang for teaching him a great deal about farming and livestock.
“Previously, I worked in construction, specifically in finishing. Now, I’ve stopped and focus more on the DD Farm. I’ve learned a lot about livestock here. I enjoy my time here while savoring my older years,” Ali concluded. (Dompet Dhuafa/Muthohar)