Globally, we are facing three major problems after the Covid-19 pandemic, namely the issue of the global food crisis, the energy crisis, and the digital crisis. These three problems were triggered by global economic uncertainty due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and the Russia-Ukraine war as well. Food issues are the main topic discussed in several countries, including the recent conditions with climate change and many farmers facing crop failures. In Indonesia, the government is trying to increase local food production to reduce dependence on imported products and maintain stocks for price stability.

According to Kasdi Subagyono as the Secretary General of the Ministry of Agriculture and also chairman of ADM RI, "The current food turmoil is testing food security in many countries, for this reason, a transformation of the food system is needed which can help increase resilience to food availability, sufficient calories, and protein. The fluctuations in food prices and the export restrictions by several food-producing countries disrupted global food availability. The third agricultural issue that is no less important is the development of innovative agripreneurial through the digitalization of agriculture to improve the livelihoods of farmers, especially in rural areas." 

A collaboration with Bank NTT

Based on the problems above, Stube HEMAT multiplication program responded through movements to assist Young Farmers, in this case strengthening human resources to process potency wisely and intelligently and finally being able to meet food needs and have an effect on improving the economy. Stube HEMAT carried out the movement by initiating the formation of a young farmers group in the Lambanapu district with the group name ‘Tunas Baru Farmers Group’. It has 26 young people as the members and becomes the only group of young farmers in East Sumba Regency.

To realize an agricultural development movement, the ‘Tunas Baru’ farmer group cooperates with several parties, namely ‘Panah Merah’ seed company. The company gives extra assistance related to technical instructions for cultivating horticultural crops from seed introduction to post-harvest. Collaboration was also carried out with the local government and the group received support from the regent of East Sumba regency in the form of pipes assistance and drip hoses.

The latest is a support from the DPR-RI Commission B, Yohanis Fransiskus Ansy Lema, S.IP., M.Sc, through P2L activities (Sustainable Food Houseyards Program). The Chairperson of the NTT Provincial DPRD, Ir. Emilia Julia Nomleni also visited the site of the young farmer study center as well as  had a discussion about  the motivations and movements of young farmers. The group also builds a network with ‘Karya Agung’ agricultural shop to provide for the needs needed by farmers in the field. Stube HEMAT also cooperates with Wira Wacana Christian University-Sumba to invite young students to study together related to agricultural science which will prepare them as rural food observers.

The network is not only with institutions but also with some key figures to be a motivator, and resource persons who play a role in connecting networks for the  young farmers group. Young farmers are ready to network and collaborate. ***