Pengadegan Farmer Group Harvest Hydroponic Vegetable

Emergency Enforcement of restrictions on community activities (PPKM) does have a broad impact on the community. Even so, the limitations caused by PPKM did not prevent residents from creating new opportunities. Like the Pengadegan Farmers Group which continue to maintain food security by harvest hydroponic vegetables.

They harvest hydroponic and organic vegetables in the yard and walls of residents houses at RT.10/RW.10 Pengadegan Village, Pancoran District, South Jakarta.

1. Initiated by PLN Batubara and Human Initiative
The Pengadengan Farmers Group in RW 08, Pancoran sub-district, South Jakarta is an innovative program initiated by PLN Batubara and Human Initiative which has started since last September 2020.

The purpose of the Pengadengan Farmer Group program is to maintain and improve food security and the family economy in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. The main activity carried out by the Pengadengan Farmers Group is hydroponic and organic farming in the yard and walls of the house.

2. Not only Vegetables, they also harvest Hydroponic Fruits
Pengadengan Farmers Group has harvest hydroponic and organic vegetables. However, it turns out that not only vegetables they also harvested fresh fruits!

Organic and hydroponic vegetables successfully harvested by the Pengadengan Farmers Group include kale, mustard greens, spinach, pakcoy, green beans, long beans, and chilies. While the fruits include melon, honey pumpkin, cherry tomatoes, papaya, grapes and passion fruit.

Wow, what abundant fruit and vegetable crops they harvested. Another good news is, the Pengadengan Farmers Group is so far able to harvest 8 times.

3. Fulfilling the Basic Needs of Local Residents
In accordance with its main objective, the activities carried out by the Pengadengan Farmer Group greatly help the needs and food security and the economy of the local people. Apart from farming, the Pengadengan Farmers Group also sells their crops to other residents at very affordable prices. Not only that, even the Pengadengan Farmers Group distributed free vegetables to residents who were economically affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

4. This Food Security Program Can Be a Solution Amidst a Pandemic

The condition of the COVID-19 pandemic does force us to continuously make efforts to survive even in difficult and limited situations. The Pengadengan Farmer Group Program is one form of real solution that has been successfully implemented by the residents of Pengadengan village.

It is proven that these hydroponic and organic farming activities can create a sustainable food security movement, and have a very positive impact on local residents. According to Sutinah, one of the residents of Pengadengan, “I’m very grateful to the Pengadegan farmer group, these vegetables are very helpful for our basic needs and nutrition in the midst of this emergency PPKM.”

5. Always Maintain Harvest Quality And Keep Innovating

Although this farming activity is only carried out hydroponically and is carried out in the yard and walls of the house, the quality of the harvest of vegetables and fruits of the Pengadengan Farmer Group is good. Precisely because it is done organically, the quality of the harvest has been confirmed to be safe for consumption.

Not only paying attention to the quality of planting and harvesting, the Pengadengan Farmers Group also took the initiative to provide delivery services to buyers. “I’m happy to buy these hydroponic and organic vegetables, they taste fresher and better, and thank God they can be delivered to my house”, said Amsar, a resident of Pandengan village.

This farmer group program initiated by PLN Batubara and the Human Initiative can be a good example for the community to do in the midst of the uncertain conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic. By preserving a sustainable food security program like this, there will certainly be many benefits that can be felt by local residents, especially those experiencing economic difficulties.