PULANG DARI IBUKOTA KE DESA, BANGUN INTEGRATED FARMING SYSTEM

Summary

Muhammad, CEO of Amarfarm Indonesia, shares the journey of his farm, which began in 2019 with duck egg production and expanded into melon cultivation and sheep breeding. Amarfarm thrives on sustainable, zero-waste practices, utilizing waste from melon production to feed maggots, which in turn feed ducks. With a focus on quality and innovation, the farm caters to growing local demands for eggs, melons, and lamb. Muhammad encourages young entrepreneurs, particularly millennials, to explore agriculture, emphasizing its importance for Indonesia’s food security and the potential for success in the industry.

Takeaways

• 😀 Amarfarm Indonesia was founded by Muhammad, the CEO, after returning to his hometown in Sleman, Yogyakarta, due to unemployment after working in Jakarta.
• 😀 The farm initially started with 1,300 egg-laying ducks and has since expanded to over 7,300 ducks, supplying around 65,000 duck eggs weekly in Yogyakarta.
• 😀 The farm diversified into hydroponic melon farming in 2021, producing premium Kimoji melons with a focus on low pesticide use, aiming for zero pesticide use where possible.
• 😀 Amarfarm's melon cultivation involves using Greenhouse technology, which helps manage pest control and create high-quality fruit.
• 😀 The farm also started sheep breeding in 2022, focusing on Australian-bred sheep for both meat and milk production, meeting the high demand for sheep meat in Yogyakarta.
• 😀 There is a significant market for sheep meat in Yogyakarta, with daily demand ranging from 10,000 to 20,000 sheep, which creates a large potential market.
• 😀 Amarfarm follows a 'Zero waste' approach, recycling agricultural and farming waste, such as using discarded melon fruits to feed maggots, which are then fed to meat ducks.
• 😀 The waste from the melon plants is used to fertilize green feed crops for the sheep, creating a closed-loop system that reduces the need for external fertilizers.
• 😀 The integration of farming and animal husbandry at Amarfarm aims to minimize waste and reduce production costs while maintaining sustainable practices.
• 😀 Muhammad encourages young people, especially millennials, to get involved in agriculture and animal husbandry, emphasizing that it is a rewarding and sustainable industry that supports national food security by 2045.

Q & A

What inspired the creation of Amarfarm Indonesia?

Amarfarm Indonesia was founded due to the owner's personal circumstances, where after finishing a career in the capital city, he returned to his hometown to be with his parents, leading him to start the farm.

What types of farming does Amarfarm engage in?

Amarfarm initially started with duck egg farming, then expanded into melon hydroponics and breeding sheep. The farm focuses on sustainable and integrated farming practices.

How has Amarfarm grown since its inception in 2019?

Since its founding in 2019, Amarfarm has grown significantly. It started with 1,300 ducks and now has a population of around 7,300 ducks. The farm also expanded into melon farming in 2021 and sheep breeding in 2022.

What is the current production capacity of Amarfarm’s duck egg operation?

Amarfarm currently supplies around 65,000 duck eggs per week, although it still cannot meet the entire demand for duck eggs in the Yogyakarta area.

What type of melon does Amarfarm produce, and what makes it unique?

Amarfarm produces Kimoji melons, a variety of Japanese melon. The farm uses greenhouse technology to ensure premium quality, minimize pesticide use, and guarantee sweetness without irritation to the throat.

How does Amarfarm minimize pesticide use in melon farming?

Amarfarm uses greenhouse technology to reduce the need for pesticides, aiming for zero pesticide use whenever possible. This approach ensures high-quality, safe melons.

What is the focus of Amarfarm’s sheep breeding program?

Amarfarm’s sheep breeding program focuses on raising Australian Awassi rams, which are high-quality sheep bred for both milk and meat production.

How does Amarfarm utilize waste from its farming operations?

Amarfarm uses waste products from its melon farming, such as unsorted fruits, as feed for maggots. These maggots are then used as feed for the ducks. Additionally, plant waste is turned into fertilizer for other crops, creating a zero-waste system.

What is Amarfarm’s approach to integrated farming?

Amarfarm integrates multiple agricultural and livestock operations to create a sustainable ecosystem. For example, melon waste is used to feed maggots, which then feed the ducks, while plant waste becomes fertilizer for other crops.

What is Amarfarm’s message to young people regarding farming and livestock?

Amarfarm encourages young people, especially millennials, to consider entering the farming and livestock sectors. The farm believes that agriculture is a crucial part of Indonesia’s future, especially for food security, and can provide profitable and rewarding opportunities.