Pulang Kampung Jadi Bos! Mantan TKI Raup Untung Besar Dari Bertani Melon di Greenhouse

Summary

Muhammad Yusuf, a former Indonesian migrant worker in Taiwan, shares his inspiring journey of transitioning from a factory job to becoming a hydroponic melon farmer in his hometown. After struggling with initial doubts from his family and facing challenges in his farming venture, he found success by applying his learning from online resources and connecting with local hydroponic communities. Despite the risks, Yusuf emphasizes the importance of quality, persistence, and the willingness to try new ventures. His story is an encouraging testament to young Indonesians, especially migrant workers, to pursue entrepreneurship and invest in sustainable agriculture.

Takeaways

• 😀 Yusuf transitioned from being a TKI (Indonesian migrant worker) in Taiwan to a successful hydroponic melon farmer in his home village.
• 😀 His initial investment in melon farming was around 60 million IDR, which covered the greenhouse setup, irrigation system, and necessary equipment.
• 😀 The hydroponic farming system, using cocopit and dripper irrigation, helped to protect crops from pests and adverse weather conditions, ensuring a steady yield.
• 😀 Yusuf initially wasn't interested in melons but was motivated by the potential profits shown in online success stories of melon farming.
• 😀 Melons in Yusuf’s farm sell for 25,000–28,000 IDR per kilogram, with premium melons always in high demand due to their quality.
• 😀 The farm benefits from a stable market for premium melons, and Yusuf has been able to sell his melons through platforms like TikTok, reaching a wider audience.
• 😀 The farming process involves carefully following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for pest control, plant health, and irrigation management to ensure quality produce.
• 😀 Yusuf emphasizes the importance of learning from experienced farmers and overcoming initial struggles, such as pest issues and system setup challenges.
• 😀 Despite his family’s initial skepticism, Yusuf was able to convince them of the business’s potential after seeing positive results and stable sales.
• 😀 Yusuf’s advice to young people and former migrant workers is to stay persistent, explore new opportunities, and take risks with full dedication in order to succeed.

Q & A

What inspired Muhammad Yusuf to transition from working as a migrant worker in Taiwan to starting a melon farming business?

Muhammad Yusuf was inspired by the potential financial success of premium melon farming after watching YouTube videos showcasing high earnings from melon crops. Despite not initially liking melons, the high prices and quick turnover in the market caught his attention and motivated him to explore this business opportunity.

Why did Muhammad Yusuf choose to grow hydroponic melons instead of traditional farming methods?

Yusuf chose hydroponic farming because it offers more control over the growing environment, reduces pest exposure, and ensures faster growth. He found hydroponic melon farming simpler and quicker compared to traditional farming methods like rice or corn, which require more time and are more susceptible to pests.

How did Muhammad Yusuf convince his family, particularly his father, to support his melon farming business?

At first, his family was skeptical due to the high initial investment required for the greenhouse. However, Muhammad Yusuf was persistent, showing them the growing success of his business. The stability of melon prices, even during rainy seasons when other farmers couldn't work, helped reassure his family that the business was sustainable.

What is the key difference between growing melons in a greenhouse and traditional open-field farming?

The greenhouse setup allows for more controlled conditions, reducing the exposure to pests and weather-related challenges. It also enables more frequent harvesting, with some varieties like Sweetnet being ready for harvest in as little as 60 days, compared to the longer growth cycles in traditional farming.

What are the advantages of the hydroponic system used by Muhammad Yusuf in his melon farm?

The hydroponic system used by Yusuf involves nutrient-rich water delivered through drip irrigation, which ensures the melons receive the proper nutrients for healthy growth. This system is more efficient, reduces labor, and allows the farm to be managed with less manual intervention, making it easier to oversee the crops.

How does Muhammad Yusuf ensure the quality of his melons?

Muhammad Yusuf follows strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) based on advice from experienced farmers. This includes managing the irrigation schedule, applying calcium and insecticides at the right times, and regularly monitoring plant health to prevent pests and diseases. Healthy leaves and stems are key indicators of melon quality.

What challenges did Muhammad Yusuf face when he started his melon farming business, and how did he overcome them?

Initially, Yusuf struggled with understanding the technical aspects of melon farming, such as plant care and irrigation. He learned through trial and error, consulting with experienced farmers and attending local hydroponic groups. Over time, he became confident in his knowledge and able to manage the farm independently.

What melon varieties does Muhammad Yusuf grow, and why are they popular in the market?

Yusuf grows premium varieties such as Intanon and Sweetnet. These melons are favored for their sweetness, texture, and overall quality. They are more expensive than other types of melons, but their popularity ensures strong demand and good market prices, with Sweetnet reaching up to Rp 28,000 per kilogram.

How does Muhammad Yusuf manage the financial aspects of his melon farming business?

Yusuf invested around 60 million IDR initially to set up his greenhouse and hydroponic system. He focuses on maintaining the quality of his melons, which ensures steady sales. By selling directly to buyers in cities like Jakarta and Surabaya, he maximizes profits, although he is cautious about dealing with financial risks associated with large-scale sales.

What advice does Muhammad Yusuf have for young people, especially former migrant workers, looking to start their own businesses?

Yusuf encourages young people, especially former migrant workers, to take risks and explore new opportunities beyond traditional employment. He emphasizes the importance of passion and dedication in running a business and advises others to fully commit to their ventures and not remain in their comfort zones.