Sustainable Agriculture at Yayasan Assunah’s Horticultural Garden in Jurang Jaler: A Pathway for Community Empowerment

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Green House, horticulture park, Assunah Foundation
 
Introduction

In the heart of Jurang Jaler, Lombok, Indonesia, Yayasan Assunah has established a horticultural garden that serves as a beacon of hope for the underprivileged members of the community. This garden isn’t just a place for growing crops; it’s a community-centered initiative designed to uplift local families by offering them the opportunity to engage in sustainable farming. By implementing a fair-share farming system, Yayasan Assunah ensures that the benefits of the garden reach those who need them the most, offering them a way to improve their livelihoods through agriculture.


Video of Bayer's activities in horticulture garden
  
 
Video of agricultural activities and construction of a green house

 

A Fair-Share Farming System for Community Empowerment

Yayasan Assunah’s horticultural garden follows a profit-sharing model that directly involves local families in the farming process. The system works by allowing families to cultivate a portion of the garden, with a portion of the produce being allocated to them, while another part goes to the Yayasan to sustain and develop the garden further. This collaborative farming system not only provides a stable source of income for these families but also fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility, creating a positive cycle of growth and development.



activities of sharecroppers in the horticulture park

 

Support from Government Institutions

The horticultural garden in Jurang Jaler has garnered significant attention and support from various governmental bodies, including the Ministry of Agriculture, local government in Central Lombok, and the provincial government of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB). This support has come in various forms, such as training programs, financial aid, and provision of seeds and farming tools, helping the garden to grow and thrive. Such initiatives have been instrumental in improving the skills of the local farmers, enabling them to implement modern farming techniques and increase productivity.


 


Agricultural extension activities by the government

 

visit to the Assunah Foundation horticulture garden farmer group

 

Challenges in Operating the Greenhouse: The Need for Renewable Energy

With the expansion of the horticultural garden, Yayasan Assunah has recently built a greenhouse to optimize crop growth and extend the farming season. However, this new development brings a crucial challenge: the need for a reliable power source to run the greenhouse’s operational systems, including lighting, water pumps, and climate control equipment. Relying on conventional electricity from PLN (State Electricity Company) has proven to be costly for the farmers, as the operational expenses can quickly add up. This poses a significant risk, especially when crop failures occur or market prices for agricultural products drop, leaving the farmers struggling to cover the high electricity bills.

Solar Cells: A Sustainable Solution for the Greenhouse

Switching to solar energy presents a promising solution to this challenge. By installing a 5500Wp solar cell system to power the greenhouse, Yayasan Assunah can dramatically reduce electricity costs and ensure a stable energy supply, even during times when conventional electricity prices rise. Solar cells harness the abundant sunlight in Lombok, turning it into a clean and renewable source of energy that can power the greenhouse’s systems without burdening the farmers with high operational costs.

The implementation of solar power would allow the horticultural garden to focus on what matters most: cultivating quality crops and empowering local families. With lower energy costs, the garden can reinvest savings into better farming tools, training, and community programs, further enhancing the overall productivity and sustainability of the garden.



 




 


green house operational equipment that requires solar cells as a power source.

Conclusion

Yayasan Assunah’s horticultural garden in Jurang Jaler is more than just a farming initiative; it’s a platform for community empowerment and a step towards sustainable agriculture. With continued support from the government and local stakeholders, and by transitioning to solar energy, the garden can overcome its current challenges and continue to provide a brighter future for the families it serves.

By reducing dependency on conventional electricity and embracing renewable energy solutions, Yayasan Assunah and the community in Jurang Jaler can work towards a future where agriculture not only feeds people but also uplifts and empowers them. The journey to sustainability is ongoing, but with the right investments and support, this horticultural garden can become a model for other communities seeking to combine environmental stewardship with social impact.

This blog article highlights the significance of the horticultural garden’s role in community empowerment, the challenges it faces with energy costs, and the benefits of transitioning to solar power. It aims to attract attention from donors, stakeholders, and readers who are interested in supporting sustainable agriculture projects.


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