PANEN ASPARAGUS 2 HARI SEKALI SELAMA 20 TAHUN

Summary

Sutarno, an asparagus farmer from the slopes of Mount Merapi, shares his journey of cultivating this unique plant. With a farm situated at 1070 meters above sea level, he has found asparagus to be a lucrative crop with health benefits, such as preventing cancer and boosting stamina. His farming method is simple yet effective, requiring selective harvesting and greenhouse protection. Sutarno aims to expand the asparagus industry in the region, providing seeds and creating partnerships. His philosophy, 'Ora ono jongkokan,' reflects his commitment to turning dreams into reality through action, despite challenges in the market.

Takeaways

• 😀 Sutarno is a farmer from Magelang, Indonesia, cultivating asparagus at the foot of Mount Merapi.
• 😀 Asparagus farming at this altitude (1070 meters above sea level) is ideal due to the favorable climate for the plant.
• 😀 The initial interest in asparagus farming came in 1999 after a technical mission from Taiwan on planting asparagus.
• 😀 Asparagus is a high-demand plant, mainly consumed by middle-to-upper-class individuals and sold in supermarkets and malls.
• 😀 The unique aspect of asparagus is that it can be harvested for up to 7-20 years with proper selection of parent plants.
• 😀 Harvesting asparagus is quick and efficient, taking only 1-3 days to reach harvestable size.
• 😀 Asparagus is believed to have health benefits, including preventing cancer, boosting stamina, and improving skin health for women.
• 😀 The cultivation process of asparagus is simple, involving planting in raised beds and ensuring adequate water supply, but with protection from direct rain.
• 😀 Asparagus plants require specific conditions: temperatures around 28-30°C during the day and 20°C at night, with ideal elevation around 700 meters above sea level.
• 😀 The farming process includes seeding, transferring to polybags, and after 8-9 months, the plants are ready for harvest, producing 3-4 kg of asparagus per year initially.
• 😀 Sutarno emphasizes sustainable practices, such as using organic fertilizer and selecting high-quality F1 seeds to ensure the best yield and plant health.
• 😀 The local market for asparagus is still limited, with the majority of supply coming from outside the region, but Sutarno plans to expand and develop partnerships for local production.

Q & A

What is Sutarno's farming philosophy?

Sutarno's philosophy is captured by the Javanese saying 'ora ono jongkokan,' meaning that dreams can only be realized through action. He emphasizes the importance of taking concrete steps to achieve goals.

Why did Sutarno choose asparagus farming?

Sutarno chose asparagus farming after being introduced to it during a technical mission from Taiwan in 1999. He was drawn to its promising market potential and its ability to yield long-term returns.

How does asparagus benefit health?

Asparagus is known for its health benefits, including preventing cancer, boosting stamina, and enhancing beauty, especially for women.

What makes asparagus farming unique?

Asparagus is unique because it can produce for several years, with a single planting potentially yielding crops for 7 to 10 years, or even 20 years with proper care. It also requires a specialized growing environment and careful selection during harvest.

How long does it take for asparagus to mature and start producing?

Asparagus typically takes 8 to 9 months from planting to the first harvest, which is relatively long compared to other crops. However, once it matures, it can be harvested every 2 days.

What challenges does asparagus farming face during the rainy season?

Asparagus requires protection from direct rain, as exposure to water can harm the plant. This is why a greenhouse or other protective structure is necessary to maintain healthy growth during the rainy season.

How does Sutarno manage the fertilization of his asparagus plants?

Sutarno uses a simple fertilization method by applying organic manure once every six months. While chemical fertilizers can also be used, Sutarno avoids overuse to prevent soil degradation.

How is asparagus marketed in the region?

Asparagus is primarily marketed through contracts with suppliers, supermarkets, hotels, and restaurants. Sutarno has established partnerships with these entities to ensure a steady demand for his crops.

What are the key conditions for successful asparagus cultivation?

Asparagus requires a temperature range of 28 to 30 degrees Celsius during the day and 20 degrees Celsius at night. It grows best at elevations of 500 to 700 meters above sea level. Consistent watering is essential, but direct exposure to rain must be avoided.

What are Sutarno's future plans for asparagus farming?

Sutarno plans to expand asparagus farming in the region and establish partnerships with other farmers. He envisions developing a local asparagus farming community, as demand for this crop is high in areas like Jogja, Solo, and Semarang.