At Sambung Rasa in Joho, a Millennial Farmer Introduces Sweet Lavender Melon

Melon cultivation is one of the agricultural potentials being developed by the community of Joho Village, Prambanan Sub-district, Klaten. This was evident at the Sambung Rasa event held in the village on Wednesday (3/9).

One of the farmers developing the commodity is Irfan Tri Kusuma. The millennial farmer from Pamenang Farm introduced two melon varieties he cultivates, namely Sweet Lavender and Golden Aroma.

The melon cultivation also drew the attention of Klaten Regent Hamenang Wajar Ismoyo. Together with the Chairperson of the Klaten TP PKK, Fahrani Hamenang, Hamenang even personally picked melons at the Pamenang Farm greenhouse, located not far from the Sambung Rasa event venue.

Hamenang expressed his appreciation for the agricultural potential being developed by the people of Joho Village. According to him, the development of food commodities in the village shows that the agricultural sector can continue to grow whilst also supporting food security.

“Maturnuwun (thank you), what is happening here in Joho is extraordinary. Food security (Ketapang) is already moving forward and developing. There is maize, there are fruits, and there is already protein. Hopefully it will continue to grow in future. This can serve as an example for other villages,” said Hamenang.

Meanwhile, the millennial farmer from Pamenang Farm, Irfan, said he developed the melon cultivation in order to inspire young people not to be ashamed of farming or becoming millennial farmers.

“We cultivate Sweet Lavender and Golden Aroma melons. The difference is that Sweet Lavender is crisper whilst Golden Aroma is softer. Their sweetness is different from that of ordinary melons,” he explained.

Irfan said the melon cultivation has been running for two months, and he chose to use a greenhouse because it is free from pests.

“This is our first harvest. After this, we will run a melon-picking agritourism activity in Joho Village, with a price of Rp 35,000 per kilo. Whatever remains, we will sell to wholesalers,” he explained.

The Sambung Rasa event also featured a joint maize harvest with the Klaten Regent, the provision of assistance, a dialogue with the community, and the presentation of various services from the Klaten Regency Government.