KISAH TANI SUKSES BANGUN DESA LEWAT BUDIDAYA ALOE VERA/LIDAH BUAYA HINGGA SIAP EKSPOR

Summary

Alan Effendi shares his inspiring journey from an urban migrant in Jakarta to a successful entrepreneur in Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta. Despite lacking a farming background, he ventured into aloe vera cultivation, establishing PT Monpera Sejati and the Rasa Nivera brand. His company not only produces aloe vera-based food and beverages but also educates local farmers, creating sustainable farming practices in dry, critical land areas. Alan emphasizes the economic and health benefits of aloe vera, highlighting its diverse applications across industries such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and organic fertilizers. His success story is a testament to the power of innovation and dedication in agriculture.

Takeaways

• 😀 Alan Effendi introduces himself and his business, which focuses on the agricultural processing of aloe vera, from cultivation to processing into food and drink products.
• 😀 The company, PT Monpera Sejati, sells aloe vera under the brand name Rasa Nivera, offering products such as aloe vera drinks, pure aloe vera slices, and aloe vera fiber with stevia sugar.
• 😀 Alan began his aloe vera business in 2014, despite not having a background in agriculture, by educating himself through books, the internet, and local communities.
• 😀 Aloe vera was chosen due to its low maintenance, economic value, and its demand in four major industries: pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, liquid organic fertilizer (POC), and food and beverages.
• 😀 Alan’s business now includes multiple agricultural partners (plasma), growing aloe vera on about 4 hectares of land, with a focus on empowering local farmers in Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta.
• 😀 The process of educating the local community about aloe vera cultivation began in 2018, initially involving 75 women farmers who received free aloe vera seedlings.
• 😀 The business's impact on the local community has been positive, with women now able to sell fresh aloe vera leaves, and some even producing value-added products like chips, dodol, and candies.
• 😀 Alan emphasizes the need to change the perception that farming is an unattractive or unprofitable profession, aiming to show that agriculture can be successful and rewarding.
• 😀 Aloe vera is beneficial for health, particularly for treating constipation, stomach issues (like ulcers), and high blood pressure, and the products are certified by BPOM and have clinical testing.
• 😀 Alan's company is expanding internationally, with plans to export aloe vera products to the United States after receiving FDA approval, and he is building an online and offline marketing network for distribution.

Q & A

What is the main focus of Alan Effendi's business?

Alan Effendi's business focuses on agriculture, specifically the cultivation and processing of aloe vera (also known as lidah buaya). His company, PT Monpera Sejati, produces various aloe vera-based food and beverage products.

How did Alan Effendi get involved in agriculture despite not having a background in it?

Alan Effendi got involved in agriculture in 2014 after deciding to return to his hometown in Gunungkidul. Although he didn't have a background in agriculture, he educated himself through books, the internet, and by engaging with communities, eventually choosing aloe vera as a suitable crop due to its easy maintenance and economic potential.

Why did Alan choose aloe vera as the primary crop for his business?

Alan chose aloe vera because it has low maintenance requirements and offers high economic value. Aloe vera is in demand by four major industries: pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, organic liquid fertilizers, and food and beverages.

How does Alan Effendi support local farmers through his business?

Alan Effendi supports local farmers by training and mentoring them to cultivate aloe vera. He has developed partnerships with surrounding communities and offers free aloe vera seedlings to encourage local involvement. Farmers then supply the company with aloe vera leaves, helping to increase their income.

What challenges did Alan face when introducing aloe vera cultivation to his community?

Alan faced skepticism from the community, as many people only knew aloe vera as a first-aid remedy for wounds and were unfamiliar with its potential as a consumable product. Over time, he overcame these doubts by demonstrating the economic benefits of aloe vera farming.

How has Alan's business grown since 2014?

Since 2014, Alan's business has expanded significantly. He now manages multiple aloe vera farms across various areas, including partnerships with farmers from outside Gunungkidul. His company has grown to produce a range of aloe vera products, including drinks, slices, and fiber, and has built a network of over 75 farmer partners.

What impact has aloe vera cultivation had on local farmers in Gunungkidul?

Aloe vera cultivation has had a positive impact on local farmers in Gunungkidul. Many farmers, especially women, have started cultivating aloe vera and now earn income from selling fresh leaves, aloe vera-based products, and by processing aloe vera into snacks like chips and candy.

What are some health benefits of aloe vera mentioned in the script?

Aloe vera is known for its health benefits, including alleviating constipation, treating stomach ulcers, and lowering high blood pressure. These benefits have been clinically proven, and Alan's products have received certifications to ensure their quality and safety.

What role has the government played in supporting Alan's business?

The government, both at the local and national levels, has been supportive of Alan's business. Various government agencies, including the Ministry of Agriculture and other departments, have provided training, exhibitions, and legal support for product certifications. Alan has also been an ambassador for promoting agriculture to the younger generation.

How does Alan plan to expand his business internationally?

Alan plans to expand his business internationally by exporting aloe vera products. His company has already secured FDA approval for the U.S. market, and once they obtain additional production certifications, he will begin exporting to the United States.