Tanam Kentang Petani Milenial ini Go Internasional

Summary

Agus Wibowo, a young farmer from Magelang, shares his journey in transforming traditional potato farming through innovation. He highlights his efforts to develop sustainable seed production, use modern technology like smart irrigation, and promote crop rotation for healthier soil. Agus is driven by his passion for revitalizing agriculture and inspiring younger generations to embrace farming as a viable career. His work has gained international recognition, and he emphasizes the importance of youth in advancing Indonesia's agricultural sector, advocating for collaboration and innovation to ensure food security and agricultural sovereignty.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker is Agus Wibowo, a millennial farmer from Sumberejo village in Magelang, Indonesia, working to impact society positively.
• 😀 Agus comes from a family of farmers who used conventional methods, but faced challenges with low-quality seeds and inconsistent suppliers.
• 😀 Agus initiated a potato seedling business in Magelang, aiming to provide high-quality, locally-produced seeds to improve potato farming.
• 😀 The business model includes using modern technologies like Smart Irrigation systems, allowing remote control via smartphones to manage watering.
• 😀 Potatoes grown in the area rotate with other crops like cabbage, broccoli, and beans to maintain soil health and reduce chemical usage.
• 😀 To combat potato diseases, especially fungal ones, Agus focuses on organic fertilizers and regular spraying of fungicides during the rainy season.
• 😀 After harvesting, potatoes are stored for drying before being packaged and sold at local markets, as well as for export opportunities.
• 😀 Agus aims to increase the quality and consistency of potato production, identifying market expansion as a key challenge.
• 😀 Agus is motivated by the potential of agriculture in his region and the need to encourage younger generations to embrace farming.
• 😀 He believes in the power of combining traditional farming methods with modern technologies to create new opportunities for young farmers in Indonesia.
• 😀 Agus has won several national and international business competitions, including a global student award, highlighting his commitment to agricultural innovation and community empowerment.

Q & A

What motivated Agus Wibowo to pursue modern farming?

Agus Wibowo was motivated to pursue modern farming due to the challenges faced by his family with conventional farming methods, such as low-quality seeds and inconsistent results. He wanted to innovate and improve the farming process for better yields.

How did Agus Wibowo address the issue of poor-quality seeds in his farming?

Agus Wibowo started his own seed production initiative in Magelang, creating high-quality, locally sourced potato seeds. He also focused on using advanced techniques like tissue culture to improve seed quality and reduce dependence on outside sources.

What innovative farming technologies has Agus incorporated into his farming process?

Agus has incorporated modern technologies like smart irrigation systems that can be controlled via a smartphone, allowing him to manage watering even when he's away from the farm.

How does Agus manage soil health and crop rotation in his farming system?

Agus practices crop rotation to maintain soil health, planting crops like broccoli and cabbage after harvesting potatoes. This helps to neutralize the soil and reduce the build-up of chemicals.

What are the main challenges faced by potato farmers in the region of Ngablak?

One of the main challenges is the high cost of seeds, which can account for 40-50% of the total production cost. Additionally, potato farming is vulnerable to diseases, especially fungal infections like Phytophthora infestans.

How long does it take for potatoes to be ready for harvest in Agus's farm?

Potatoes in Agus's farm are typically ready for harvest after 90 to 100 days.

What steps does Agus take to ensure the quality of harvested potatoes?

After harvesting, the potatoes are stored in a cool, dry place for 1-2 days to dry them before packaging. They are then sold locally or exported, depending on their quality.

What has Agus done to promote young people's involvement in agriculture?

Agus actively encourages young people to get involved in agriculture by showing them the potential for success, using technology, and offering an example of how farming can be a viable and rewarding career.

How did Agus’s participation in competitions impact his career and farming business?

Agus's participation in various competitions, including business plan contests and international agricultural events, helped him gain recognition, win awards, and promote his potato farming concept on a larger scale, including in countries like Singapore and Macau.

What message does Agus want to convey to other young people in Indonesia regarding agriculture?

Agus believes that agriculture offers significant opportunities for young people in Indonesia. He encourages them to engage in farming, particularly in innovative and sustainable ways, to help advance the nation's agricultural sector.