Farmers in Manggarai NTT Focus on Developing Energy and Agriculture

LABUAN BAJO TERKINI – The Government of Manggarai Regency continues to show its commitment in maintaining food security and promoting sustainable agriculture by maximizing energy and technology support for farmers. Through various programs and innovations, the local government together with farmers and academics move simultaneously to face the challenges of modern agriculture.

The Head of the Agriculture Office of Manggarai Regency Ferdinand Ampur said
that a number of programs have been implemented to support farmers’ productivity, ranging from the provision of superior seeds such as rice, corn, coffee, cocoa, to coconut, as well as the provision of agricultural aids.

However, big challenges are still faced, especially in post-harvest processing which requires a lot of energy.

“We need a rice drying oven because the weather is unpredictable, and this tool requires a lot of energy. Without post-harvest processing, farmers will only sell raw materials,”Ferdinand said, May, 12 ,2025.

Furthermore,he mentions are limited land and climate change are the main challenges faced by farmers.

“The government is responding by providing training, agricultural equipment, and assistance so that farmers can adapt, including through the Pekarangan Pangan Lestari (PPL) program which utilizes narrow land around the house for productive agriculture”, he added

Moreover, Nel, who is a member of a farmer group in Rowang, stated that the farmer group program is very helpful for farmers in obtaining government support.

Although funding for the procurement of watering equipment such as water pumps is still in process, farmers’ spirits remain high.

“We are now working with PPL to produce bokashi fertilizer as a solution to the shortage of chemical fertilizers,” she said.

Se also revealed plans to collaborate with the government on a free meal program through the distribution of organic vegetables from the farmer group’s harvest.

“In the face of climate change, the farmers were also provided with training and started using plastic mulch as plant protection”,Nel said

Whereas, Aris Monjo, a student from the Faculty of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, also voiced his views.

He highlighted the importance of utilizing renewable energy such as solar power and biogas from agricultural waste.

“There is a lot of potential for clean energy to support irrigation and processing of farm produce,” Aris explained.

He also emphasized the need for agricultural digitalization and modernization of tools as a step towards efficiency and sustainability.

The government has a long-term target to realize food self-sufficiency in Manggarai, including reducing dependence on food supplies from outside the region.

“The Head of the Agriculture Office Mr.Ferdinand, hopes that Manggarai’s young generation will start to be active in the agricultural sector. “Don’t be ashamed to be a farmer. In fact, now we are embracing millennial farmers who understand technology so that Manggarai’s agriculture will be more advanced,” Aris concluded.

Oleh: Maria Dinda Lestari, Maria Delitris Falenta, Apolonaris Saneko Rahang, Bernadeta Asri, Anjelini S. Bahagia – Mahasiswa Prodi Bahasa Inggris Unika St Paulus Ruteng Manggarai NTT