When Chili Gives Hope - Fahrudin

The success of chili farmers in Suniabaru Village benefits heavily from Fahrudin contribution. As head of Kelompok Tani Karya Nyata (a farmers group), Fahrudin succeeded in developing its members to work hard and reap the rewards together. He didn’t hesitate to engage farmer in keep learning, following new technology, and attending various training in agriculture.

Fahrudin was one from tens of chili farmers in Suniabaru village. In 2011, the 56 years old friendly man was awarded as the best farmers in province and district level because of his diligence in developing chili plant. Now, Fahrudin becomes the role model farmer in his region.

Fahrudin success as chili farmer began when he participated in EWINDO’s training and development program in 2001. From that program, he was introduced in using hybrid chili seed, LADO F1. With LADO F1 seed, Fahrudin’s chili yield in harvest significantly improved compared to using other seed.

“After that, I also learned a lot from EWINDO’s extension worker and asked about a lot of things, mainly about agriculture technology,” said Fahrudin, usually called Pak Asep by people around him.

With hard work and motivation to keep learning, also using quality chili seed, Fahrudin could produce 3 tons of fresh chili in one harvest. The chili he planted could harvest 24 times in three months. Compared to using non-hybrid seed which could only yield less than one ton of chili in one harvest.

Fahrudin wouldn’t be worried if the price of chilli fluctuates or fell because he with farmers joined in Kelompok Tani Karya Nyata bought grinding machine and packing machine to produce grounded chili powder. One pack of 400 g chili powder comes from one kilogram of fresh chili which processed from drying, grinding to powder to packing.

“If the price of chili fell, we could sell them as grounded chili powder in plastic bag. It could last longer and the price would not go down," he said.

The partnership between EWINDO with Fahrudin and farmers still continues until today. There are a lot to gain from the partnership. Besides having supply of hybrid chili seed, EWINDO still commits to give training, counselling, and often involving farmers in exhibition

Cover photo @Ewindo