By Frans Fredi Kalikit Bara

Integrated farming, in a simple term means a mutual farming system between one commodity and the other commodity, so the cost of production can be reduced as far as possible by optimize the use of existing commodities or managed together in one location. In a broader meaning, integrated agriculture is a system with integration activities in crops, crop and horticulture enterprises, farms, plantations, fisheries, and forestry plants within a one-area (Anugrah, Iwan Settiajie, 2014:158)

Sumba has prospective agricultural potencies, besides being known as a cattle island, Sumba also has several prospective natural potencies, such as extensive savanna, fertile soil resources, water resources and fascinating tourist spots. Seeing the potencies above, Stube HEMAT through Multiplication activities raised a theme of a discussion on ‘Integrated agriculture in Sumba’ by presenting resource person I Made Raspita, a successful farmer entrepreneur in Lewa district. This activity was held at his training center, called Pusat Pelatihan Pertanian Pedesaan (P4S) or Independent Rural Agriculture Training Center, (Wednesday, 2/6/2021).

The atmosphere of the training was exciting with the enthusiastic questions and answers between the participants and the source person. The activity was done in indoor and field study. There were statements and opinions given by the source person: 1) The young people of Sumba is not lazy, but they are still weak to see the agriculturee opportunity, 2) Sumba still needs creative youth, 3) Hard works will bring benefits in the future, 4) in Sumba, it’s not seeking for job opportunities, otherwise providing job opportunities.

“Doing works or being pranked,” this statement was said by the source person repeatedly. The statement was used to tickle the young people of Sumba to take part in promoting Sumba’s farming because it has a good prospect if it is managed well. The young people of Sumba has opportunity to create their own job opportunity. Let us create jobs! ***