TULUNGAGUNG, EAST JAVA – “I myself admit that the presence of Dompet Dhuafa here has brought significant changes to the community,” stated Udin, candidly.
He continued, explaining that many parties, including government departments, have become involved, with Dompet Dhuafa being the initial catalyst. Its presence has had a direct impact on the mindset of the people of Bono Village and on the economic sector. Previously, perhaps only 20% of the community was aware of the agricultural potential, but now more than 50% are enthusiastic about agriculture as a means to increase income.
Even families without their own land, Udin assured, have a starfruit tree either beside or in front of their houses. This is because Udin also opened a sales pool for every starfruit tree at his home, ensuring that anyone, regardless of the amount or type, can sell to him.
“Next, we sort them according to their grade. We already have a market for them,” added the initiator of Belimbing Village Tourism.
Currently, a program running in collaboration with Dompet Dhuafa East Java is empowering the village’s youth. Udin has gathered 10 young people to train them in managing starfruit orchards. These are youths who have dropped out of school, are unemployed, etc. Pak Udin and Dompet Dhuafa then found them work, reviving abandoned lands.
“I firmly believe in my conscience that they want to be useful. But, because no one has embraced them, people only see their bad habits,” he said.
Baca juga: Mimpi Gus Sholah Terwujud, RS Hasyim Asy’ari Akan Jadi Leading Sector Pemberdayaan
This group of youths agreed to name their team SAE Farm, an acronym for Smart Agriculture Education. In this program, benefit recipients receive training, mentoring, assistance, and marketing techniques. Each is also provided with an uncared-for starfruit orchard to cultivate. The program is set to run for at least 3 years, after which its success can be assessed and possibly continued independently by each benefit recipient.
“The process involves, firstly, refurbishing the neglected orchards. Thankfully, many have already started harvesting. Then, in the following year, we train them on how to produce a high yield of quality starfruit as per our set standards,” explained Pak Udin.
In one of the orchards where we stopped for shade, we met Arifin, a benefit recipient of the “Empowered Farmers” group, from the 2018 empowerment program. Joining this group, he claims to earn around Rp10 million each harvest. He harvests four times a year, amounting to a net income of approximately Rp1.5 million per month, a significant amount considering the regional minimum wage in Tulungagung is only Rp2 million.
Baca juga: Pemberdayaan Zakat Mengubah Hidup Mereka
We also met Yopi Muhammad Azis (28), a benefit recipient of the ongoing SAE Farm Program. After high school, he immediately started working in a starfruit orchard. Seeing his enthusiasm for farming, Udin invited him to learn more about starfruit cultivation by participating in the SAE Farm Program.
He initiated the idea of packaging starfruit juice, which we had enjoyed earlier. This idea came about due to the low market price of small starfruits. Instead of wasting them, he used them to make juice.
“Before this, I was already involved in starfruit farming since leaving school. Then Pak Udin invited me to join the Dompet Dhuafa program,” he said.
Baca juga: Inovasi Penyaluran dan Pemberdayaan Zakat, Dompet Dhuafa Lampung Luncurkan Dapur Keliling (DARLING)
He revealed that he had already harvested once, almost 4 quintals of starfruit.
Udin confidently stated that the demand for starfruit in Bono Village is very high. In fact, he often has to refuse requests due to the overwhelming supply. Therefore, he always encourages the community to cultivate this Tulungagung specialty.
“Here, we typically produce 1 ton of starfruit every week,” he said confidently. (Dompet Dhuafa/Muthohar)
Read the next part . . . please Belajar dari Perpustakaan, Pria Putus Sekolah Sukses Kembangkan Wisata Desa Belimbing (Bagian Tiga)