The Lestari Karisma Women Farmers Group and the Lestari Boro Farmers Association are local soybean farming groups, determined to empower women in Kulon Progo area to become independent and self-sufficient farmers. This year, they successfully completed the harvest of various soybean varieties such as Galunggung, Grobogan, and Wilis with satisfying results.
The supportive weather and adequate rainfall have been crucial factors in this successful harvest. "Farmers here have also practiced farming by returning to tradition, using a non-monoculture system, where a single plot of land is not planted with just one type of crop. Cultivation is done naturally, from selecting seeds, planting cycles, to harvest time. The fertilizer used comes from processed leaves and manure," said Herni, one of the women who advocates Lestari Boro Farmers Association.
In addition to focusing on the cultivation process, this farmer group also regularly holds various trainings and activities aimed at food sovereignty for women.
As a tangible action in supporting food security, on 21 July 2024, FKS Multi Agro makes purchase to local soybean from the harvest of these two farmer groups, that aligns with FKS Multi Agro’s sustainability pillar.
Sukis Rahardjo, Head of Warehouse at PT FKS Multi Agro Tbk Semarang, says that quality tests had been conducted before the purchase. He says that the quality of the soybean was very good. Therefore, FKS Multi Agro makes a purchase to 20 tons of soybeans to be distributed to the tofu and tempeh makers, specifically in Central Java and Yogyakarta.
FKS Multi Agro has consistently carried out similar for the past few years as a concrete effort by the company to support the productivity of local soybeans farmers, in support of the government's long-term program to achieve national food self-sufficiency.
Through their representatives, the farmers have expressed their hope to the government that soybean farmers will receive special attention, considering that soybean is also a staple food in addition to rice and corn.
The government is expected to give its commitment in order to encourage local soybean farmers to be more productive and to meet national food needs.