TANJUNG BATU -- PT Timah Tbk's Micro Small Business Funding Program (PUMK) has assisted Iyan Wahyudi (50) in developing his vegetable farming business and starting his broiler farming business. Now he can even become a supplier of broiler chickens for home industries.
Originally, the residents of Dabit, Lubuk Village, Kundur District, were originally vegetable farmers and traders. Currently developing his vegetable business, he is experiencing many obstacles, especially in terms of capital.
"Initially, I borrowed capital to develop a vegetable farming business. Thank God, after receiving an injection of funds from PT Timah Tbk, the business developed rapidly," he said.
The vegetable farming business has promising prospects, so he focuses and continues to pursue this business. Not only meeting the vegetable needs of the Kundur people, he also sent agricultural products to other areas.
"Apart from fulfilling the vegetable needs of the Kundur people, some of my agricultural produce is sold to Bird Island and Riau Province's tembilahan by ship every day," he said.
However, his business was affected by Covid-19 so that he experienced many obstacles. He even threatened bankruptcy. Not wanting to give up, he made various efforts even in the midst of difficult conditions.
"During Covid-19, my vegetable business was completely destroyed due to restrictions on community activities and also people's purchasing power was much lower than before the Covid-19 outbreak hit and damaged the joints of the economy," he said.
He understands that he cannot just remain silent, while the needs of the family must be met. Finally, he finally chose to pursue the chicken business.
"Armed with a little knowledge about broiler farming, I started small with the remaining capital from PT Timah Tbk's PUMK Program. After a while it turned out that the prospects for the broiler chicken business were quite promising, so I really got into this business," he said.
According to Iyan Wahyudi, currently there are many types of food that require chicken meat. In addition, the community has also innovated on their own to process food made from chicken meat into various processed foods so that people do not feel bored consuming these foods.
Apart from serving the needs of chicken meat to several restaurants, Ian also provides the needs of chicken meat for small businesses such as satay and crispy chicken traders.
"Alhamdulillah, at this time I provide the needs of chicken meat for the community, both small and large parties, sometimes I also receive orders for events," he said.
He is grateful to be able to continue running this business, for him if he tries earnestly there is always ease.
"Even though in my environment there are already many who have had the same business beforehand. However, the provision has already been arranged, we are not rivals but we are relations. Thank God, the business can run smoothly," he said,
He appreciated PT Timah Tbk's PUMK program which had helped him in running various businesses. He felt many benefits and conveniences by becoming a fostered partner of PT Timah Tbk.
"It's very helpful, small administrative services. Installments are only paid after three months, so we really focus on using this capital for working capital. There are many benefits for small businesses like mine," he said. (*)
