Vanilla: The Art and Sweat Behind Farmers' Degrees

The Life of a Vanilla Farmer
Leonardus Tama, a 65-year-old vanilla farmer from Loha Village, West Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara, is a living example of a farmer's struggle. In his deft movements, he demonstrates the complex pollination process of vanilla flowers. According to him, every morning is a precious time to help the mating process of vanilla flowers so that they can produce maximum fruit. This is an important routine because vanilla is only harvested once a year.

West Manggarai Leading Commodities: Vanilla
In the middle of the land of West Manggarai, there are vanilla fields that are the pride of local farmers. According to data from the Central Bureau of Statistics, the area of vanilla plantations in East Nusa Tenggara Province reached 2,404 hectares in 2020. Loha Village itself is included in the list of 10 vanilla-producing regions in Indonesia. The high price of vanilla, reaching Rp1.2 million per kilogram, makes it a target for farmers.

Not an Easy Cultivation Process
Tama explained that vanilla cultivation requires a lot of patience and care. From planting seeds to harvesting, the process takes 2 to 3 years. Pollination is one of the main challenges, as vanilla plants require human assistance for flower mating. The success of the vanilla harvest largely depends on the willingness and persistence of the farmer in this process.

Challenges in Vanilla Cultivation
Despite its promising selling price, vanilla farmers face various challenges. Weather changes and plant diseases such as stem rot pose a serious threat to crop yields. In addition, proper care is also key to success in vanilla cultivation. The high price of vanilla does not always apply to all product qualities, with the lowest price reaching Rp100,000 per kilogram.

The role of the Business Development Institute (LPB)
To support the economic potential of vanilla, the West Manggarai Business Development Institute (LPB) is taking part. Through a series of technical and managerial trainings, LPB assists vanilla farmers in improving crop quality and productivity. In addition, LPB also opened new market access for Loha Village's vanilla, including making it a souvenir of the G20 Summit and Asean Summit.

Positive Impact on Village Economy
With the assistance from LPB, vanilla farmers in Loha Village have started to feel the positive impact. Through the export of dried vanilla, farmers' income has increased significantly, reaching tens of millions of rupiah. These funds not only improve village infrastructure, but also support the education costs of farmers' children. This economic transformation also opens up opportunities for the development of other agricultural products in the area.

Hope for a Bright Future
Sigit Kumala, Chairman of the Dharma Bhakti Astra Foundation, is optimistic about the economic potential of vanilla and the transformation of the West Manggarai region. According to him, the passion and strong desire of the community can answer the needs of local and international markets. With continued support, vanilla farmers and the surrounding community hope for a brighter future for the vanilla industry and the village economy as a whole.

Editor: Buanergis ACB
Source: https://ekonomi.bisnis.com/read/20230929/99/1699438/mengangkat-derajat-petani-loha-dengan-vanili