KARIMUN – PT Timah is empowering coastal women's groups to engage in hydroponic farming. This initiative is part of the company's effort to improve food security and stimulate the economy among women's groups.
As a mining company, PT Timah continuously supports inclusivity, including empowering women's groups in mining areas.
The hydroponic vegetable cultivation program is being implemented by PT Timah in collaboration with the Lanjut Bestari Hydroponic Group in Sawang Laut Village, Kundur Barat District, Karimun Regency.
Ten women from this group are actively involved in modern farming using hydroponic systems to grow vegetables such as bok choy, celery, and lettuce.
Sartini, the head of the Lanjut Bestari Hydroponic Group, said that they are now able to produce their own vegetables. Living in a coastal area has made them highly dependent on outside regions, particularly for food supplies.
She mentioned that the vegetables they grow through hydroponic farming are not only for the group but are also sold to the village residents.
"We've been guided by PT Timah to carry out hydroponic farming, growing vegetables for household consumption. The recent harvest was quite abundant, enough not only for the members but also to sell to the villagers," she said on Tuesday (October 15, 2024).
According to her, PT Timah has not only provided the necessary facilities and infrastructure but also accompanied and trained them to carry out modern hydroponic farming.
"They provided facilities and infrastructure, and there were also training sessions for the group members, which helped us better understand how to grow vegetables," she explained.
She added that they have already felt the benefits of the vegetable cultivation program with PT Timah. It has not only increased their knowledge but also provided economic benefits to the community.
"We've already felt the benefits. We’ve started planting again. From the previous harvest, we didn’t just get vegetables but also an economic impact because some of the produce was sold. This is also a program that supports food security," she said.
Looking ahead, she hopes their hydroponic vegetable farming efforts can continue as it has promising potential. She also hopes PT Timah will continue to assist them.
"The potential is quite promising because sometimes we even get pre-orders. I hope this can continue because the group members are enthusiastic, and this can become a source of income for us," she hoped. (*)
