In the framework of the Kadin Impact Award (KIA) judging, today the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) visited West Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara to see the social and economic impact program of West Manggarai Kadin NTT initiative in maximising the potential of national agriculture and tourism through the "Kadin Agriculture Hub" program.

In collaboration with the Government through the West Manggarai Agriculture and Food Security Office, the "Kadin Pertanian Hub" programme focuses on increasing the capacity of fostered farmers, particularly in the empowerment of local products such as rice and corn. Not only that, this programme was also initiated to assist farmers in distributing or marketing local products, so as to increase farmer productivity, strengthen food security, and reduce unemployment.

From the evaluation that has been carried out, the "Kadin Pertanian Hub" programme has had a positive impact, not only on the economic sector but also on social and cultural aspects. Farmers are now empowered with new knowledge to improve the quality of agricultural products to be able to compete with products outside the region. Stabilising rice prices ensures better incomes for farmers and strengthens food security, while fostering confidence in the quality work of local farmers and encouraging consumption of local products.

The Acting Chairman of Kadin Indonesia, Yukki Nugrahawan Hanafi, appreciated the efforts of Kadin Manggarai Barat for consistently supporting the strengthening of the local economy through the programme. "This is a tangible result of Kadin Indonesia's contribution in advancing sustainable agriculture at the district and provincial levels. Innovative programmes such as the Kadin Agriculture Hub are in line with the essence of the Kadin Impact Award, which is to raise the economic potential and talents of the region to encourage innovations that have social and economic impacts," said Yukki.

Chairman of Kadin Manggarai Barat as well as Chairman of the Kadin Hub Agriculture Programme, Charles Angliwarman, explained that the background of this programme was created to combine the two pillars of the West Manggarai economy, namely agriculture and tourism. According to him, Labuan Bajo, known as Indonesia's flagship destination, has indeed lured many tourists. However, around 84.5% of the community's economic activities are based on agriculture, particularly local rice products.

"We realise that Labuan Bajo not only has great potential as Indonesia's flagship destination, but also good potential for local rice production. Therefore, through this programme, we are trying to improve the quality and marketing of local agricultural products, so that the agricultural products of the people of West Manggarai can be enjoyed by tourism players. This is our way of empowering local communities and making them part of a sustainable tourism ecosystem," said Charles.

As an implementation of the programme, Charles added that Kadin works closely with its partners in providing agricultural production facilities such as seeds, fertilisers, and pesticides, as well as acting as an offtaker. Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture and Food Security acts as a companion to improve the skills and capacity of the farmers.

"Kadin not only focuses on increasing production, but also emphasises the importance of supply chain availability, product quality, attractive packaging for the tourism market. This programme is expected to increase farmers' productivity and build a stronger and more sustainable local economy," Charles concluded.