Lulusan Pesantren Ubah Pertanian Konvensional Jadi Modern Penjualan Tembus Ke Minimarket & Resto

Summary

Mas Mukhlis, a young agricultural entrepreneur from Getasan, Central Java, shares his innovative journey in modern farming. After returning to his family’s agricultural roots, he transitioned from conventional to creative, diverse vegetable farming. His farm, Sayur Sehat Pak Min, grows over 20 types of vegetables, including unique varieties like black tomatoes, which offer health benefits like cancer and diabetes prevention. By providing an educational and interactive experience for visitors, he aims to elevate the farming industry, empower local communities, and inspire sustainable farming practices. His ultimate goal is to boost the local economy and create a vibrant agricultural tourism destination.

Takeaways

• 😀 Mas Mukhlis, a 28-year-old entrepreneur, returned to his hometown after studying at a pesantren (Islamic boarding school) and decided to work in agriculture to help his parents.
• 😀 The farm employs innovative farming methods, moving away from traditional farming by planting a variety of 20-25 types of vegetables, including different types of tomatoes and leafy greens.
• 😀 The farm sells directly to local markets, aiming to reduce reliance on suppliers or middlemen, and even started its own marketplace targeting restaurants, hotels, and retail outlets like Indomaret.
• 😀 The farm provides educational experiences for visitors, allowing them to learn about agriculture and unique crops while shopping for fresh produce.
• 😀 Every year, the farm aims to introduce one or two new and unique types of vegetables, keeping the product offerings fresh and interesting for visitors.
• 😀 An example of a unique crop is the indigo tomato, which contains high levels of antioxidants that can help prevent diabetes and cancer.
• 😀 Sustainable farming practices are key, with the use of a mini greenhouse to protect plants from excessive rain, and eco-friendly pest control methods, such as homemade eco-enzymes.
• 😀 The farm uses organic practices, including compost made from goat manure and focuses on using knowledge, creativity, and collaboration to reduce costs and improve the farming process.
• 😀 The farm promotes that farmers don’t need large land areas to succeed, with even a 1,000m² plot being sufficient for a profitable agricultural business.
• 😀 The ultimate goal of the farm is to raise the local economy by collaborating with nearby residents, allowing visitors to pick fresh vegetables and experience sustainable farming firsthand.

Q & A

Who is Mas Mukhlis and what is his role in the agricultural business?

Mas Mukhlis is a 28-year-old agricultural entrepreneur from Dusun Selonduwur, Desa Batur, Semarang. He is one of the pioneers of 'Sayur Sehat Pak Min,' a sustainable and creative farming initiative that offers various vegetables, focusing on innovative agricultural practices.

How did Mas Mukhlis get into agriculture?

Mas Mukhlis was encouraged by his teacher at the pesantren (Islamic boarding school) to help his parents with farming upon returning home. Since his family was already involved in agriculture, he decided to continue the tradition but with a creative and modern approach.

What is the key difference between Mas Mukhlis' farming approach and conventional agriculture?

Mas Mukhlis shifted from conventional farming, which typically grows one type of crop per plot, to a diversified farming system where up to 25 different types of vegetables are grown. This includes both leafy vegetables and fruit vegetables like various types of tomatoes.

How does 'Sayur Sehat Pak Min' market its products?

Initially, Mas Mukhlis was wary of middlemen and suppliers in the local market. To avoid being exploited, he decided to create his own market and directly supply to restaurants, hotels, and even supermarkets like Indomaret in Semarang.

What educational aspect does 'Sayur Sehat Pak Min' offer to its visitors?

Mas Mukhlis aims to educate visitors about sustainable farming practices by allowing them to not only purchase fresh vegetables but also participate in the farming process. This includes educating them about unique vegetable varieties and their health benefits.

What is the significance of growing unique vegetables like the 'tomat hitam' (black tomato)?

The black tomato, scientifically known as 'Solanum lycopersicum Indigo Rose,' is rich in antioxidants and has health benefits like preventing diabetes and cancer. By growing such unique varieties, Mas Mukhlis hopes to introduce more nutritious options to consumers.

How does Mas Mukhlis manage environmental challenges like heavy rain?

To mitigate the impact of heavy rain, Mas Mukhlis has built mini and large-sized greenhouses to protect his crops, especially delicate ones like tomatoes, from excess water that could damage the plants.

What steps does Mas Mukhlis take to manage pests and fertilize his crops?

Mas Mukhlis uses eco-friendly pest control methods, such as spraying homemade 'ekoenzim' (a fermented solution made from scallion skins, sugar, and water). For fertilization, he applies compost made from goat manure, which is sourced from his own livestock.

What is the farm's approach to involving the local community?

Mas Mukhlis emphasizes collaboration with local farmers and aims to elevate the local economy by providing educational opportunities and creating a farming destination that attracts visitors. This includes offering activities like picking fresh vegetables.

What advice does Mas Mukhlis give to young farmers who may not have large plots of land?

Mas Mukhlis advises that young farmers should focus on expanding their knowledge and creativity, rather than worrying about land size. He demonstrates that even a small plot, such as his 1,000 m² area, can be developed into a successful farm with the right mindset and innovative ideas.