The Inspiring Story of Asep Komadin: A Potato Farmer from Sukatani Village, Garut Regency, Growing Together with the Bertani Program

Garut – For Asep Komadin (45), a resident of Sukatani Village, Garut Regency, farming is more than just a livelihood. Since childhood, he has been surrounded by fields and accustomed to helping his parents take care of crops. Today, with years of experience and strong determination, Asep has become one of the Pioneer Farmers in the Bertani program run by the Edufarmers Foundation. 

“For me, farming runs in my blood. Since I was little, I’ve been used to working with soil and plants, so it feels like an inseparable part of my life,” Asep said. 

Starting with Granola Potatoes: A Crop of Blessings 

Although he is skilled in cultivating various crops such as chili, cabbage, and tomatoes, Asep chose the Granola potato variety as his main focus. For him, potatoes not only bring high market value but also symbolize perseverance and patience. 

His daily routine is well-planned, from preparing the land, selecting quality seeds, arranging fertilizer, to controlling pests and diseases in the field. He constantly seeks better ways to care for his crops so that potatoes can grow optimally and yield in abundant harvests. For Asep, every step in tending the crops is an act of commitment, because great harvests always begin with small but consistent actions. 

“Farmers must be ready to work hard and get dirty. But once you love it, all challenges can be faced with sincerity,” he said with conviction. 

Rising from Failure: The Key to Becoming a Great Farmer 

Asep’s journey hasn’t always been smooth. He once suffered a major loss when nearly all of his potato crops failed due to disease. At that moment, he considered quitting farming altogether. Yet his will to rise again was stronger. 

With determination and family support, Asep returned to learning, tried new strategies, and gradually managed to recover. Now, he can manage larger plots of land and even employs local workers, creating job opportunities for villagers. 

“Failure is normal. The important thing is to get back up, learn again, and keep trying,” he emphasized. 

This resilience has made Asep a Pioneer Farmer, an inspiring figure who brings real impact and serves as a role model for his group. 

Tangible Results from Potato Fields 

Asep’s hard work in cultivating Granola potatoes has borne significant fruit. He can now provide for his family, buy a house and vehicle, and expand his farmland. He consistently sets aside a portion of his income as capital for his farming activities. 

Family support has played a vital role in shaping Asep’s motivation and resilience as a farmer. His wife is actively involved from the early stages of cultivation until harvest, while his children help manage the land and assist with marketing the produce. This togetherness and involvement of the whole family form a strong foundation for the sustainability of Asep’s farming business. 

The Impact of the Bertani Program: Knowledge, Practice, and Community 

Asep admits that in the past, access to information was very limited. As a farmer, he could only learn from personal experience or by asking neighbors. But the presence of the Edufarmers Foundation through the Bertani program changed everything. 

Through the Bertani community, Asep gained broader access to agricultural knowledge and practices. He actively participates in regular meetings, farmer group forums, and hands-on field activities. From these, Asep learned more effective cultivation techniques, pest and disease management strategies, and broadened his understanding of sustainable agriculture. The community also expanded his network, connecting him with fellow farmers who share the same passion and vision to progress together. 

“Alhamdulillah, the Bertani program helps us farmers here, both in terms of knowledge and building bonds among farmers. There are many new things we can directly apply in the fields,” said Asep. 

Asep’s Message and Hope for the Younger Generation 

As a Pioneer Farmer, Asep has a message for the younger generation. According to him, farming is not only a noble profession but also a promising one if managed with the right knowledge and practices. 

“Don’t be ashamed to be a farmer. Yes, there are many challenges, but there is also a lot of joy. I hope the younger generation can continue our struggle and advance even further with the knowledge they have,” Asep said. 

The Edufarmers Foundation, through the Bertani program, believes that every Pioneer Farmer like Asep is a driving force for the creation of a stronger agricultural ecosystem. By providing guidance that includes access to education, the application of best cultivation practices, and the use of technological innovations, Bertani is committed to building a brighter future for Indonesian agriculture. This effort also aims to sustainably improve the welfare of farming families. 

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