Planting corn, Planning for the future

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

For Seth, 49, in North Halmahera, corn has changed his life. The man who lives in Soahukum village has just cropped 500 kilograms of hybrid corn. Each kilogram of corn is sold for Rp. 3,000. The outcome of selling crops is used for buying farming tools. However the most important thing is that now he could save his money in Education Saving account for his children's education.

"I've never thought of opening saving account for my children. By planting and selling corns, now I could save money for them. Actually, it is easy to plant and crop the corns," told Seth proudly.

Together with other parents in West Kao sub-regency, Seth joins in a training held by Wahana Visi Indonesia (WVI), a partner of World Vision for 3 months. Before training, Seth and other farmers in his area only depended on copra commodity to earn their life. Previously, they haven't tried to plant another plant though they have a very large garden. Now, everything has changed. After WVI's assistance they decided to plant another commodity instead of corn.

For marketing, the farmers in his village have cooperated with Mirah cooperation, farming partners to market the crops. Before the cooperation exists, farmers are difficult to sell their crops because the lack of transportation and marketing facility. That is why, from now on, he starts to plant the next corns. Through corns, Seth's life has changed. Parents like him are now aware of fulfilling children's needs.

*Written by Hestin Klaas, Community Development Coordinator, Wahana Visi Indonesia at Halmahera Utara operational office

Community Participation Development