To Promote Farmer Independence, YNTM Partners with TTU Extension Workers and CIRMA to Hold Education and Training in Faennake Village

Efforts to strengthen farmer independence continue to be intensified. The YNTM Foundation, together with agricultural extension workers from TTU Regency and CIRMA, held educational and training activities for four farmer groups in Faennake Village, North Bikomi District.

This activity involved four farmer groups: the Sejahtera Farmers Group, Tulusene, Tafenpah, and Ijaokenneno, from Faennake Village, North Bikomi District, North Central Timor Regency.

YNTM Manager, Heppy Sastra, stated that this activity is part of the organization's commitment to encouraging farmers to become more independent and manage their agricultural potential sustainably.

"Through this training, we want to equip farmers with practical knowledge and skills, so they are not solely dependent on assistance but are able to develop independently," he said.

The training materials provided included Eco-Enzyme Compost Production, Farmer Group Administration, climate change mitigation against plant pests, an introduction to weather and climate, tomato sauce production, processed food product packaging, sustainable land management, and strategies for increasing crop yields tailored to local conditions. The training also emphasized a hands-on approach so participants could easily apply the knowledge gained in the field.

Agricultural extension workers from North Central Timor Regency emphasized the importance of synergy between institutions and the community in improving the quality of the agricultural sector. Support from CIRMA also strengthened the implementation of farmer-based training.

This training is expected to increase farmers' confidence in managing their farms and improve productivity and family well-being.

This collaborative effort demonstrates that farmer empowerment through education and training is key to independent and sustainable agriculture in East Nusa Tenggara Province. (Romano Nopala)