From Small Garden to Thriving Business: The Inspiring Journey of Bernadus, a Farmer from Timor

Introduction:

Farming is more than just a profession in Timor—it’s the main source of livelihood for many families. For Bernadus, a 39-year-old farmer from Bijaepasu village, farming started as a humble effort to meet daily needs. But through dedication, learning, and smart financial choices, he transformed his small vegetable garden into a thriving business. This is his inspiring story of growth and hope.

Bernadus’ Early Days: A Struggle to Meet Daily Needs

Initially, Bernadus and his wife grew only a few vegetables—mainly eggplants and chilies—in their small backyard garden. They sold their produce to neighbors and earned just enough to cover daily expenses. Life was simple but financially tight. Like many farmers in rural areas, Bernadus lacked access to advanced farming knowledge and capital to expand his business.

A Turning Point: Training and Financial Support

Everything changed when Bernadus received training from Wahana Visi Indonesia, a trusted partner of World Vision. The training introduced him to better farming techniques, pest management, and crop diversification, opening new possibilities.

Motivated by what he learned, Bernadus decided to expand his farm. But for that, he needed capital. He approached the People’s Bank of Indonesia (BRI) and took a loan of Rp 4,000,000. With this money, he improved his farm’s productivity and started selling vegetables beyond his immediate neighborhood.

Business Expansion and Smart Investments

Encouraged by his initial success and ability to repay the loan, Bernadus took a bigger step in 2013 by borrowing Rp 20,000,000. This capital was invested strategically. He purchased a water pump for reliable irrigation, upgraded his farming tools, and bought quality seeds.

In addition to eggplants and chilies, Bernadus added chicory and kangkung to his crops. This crop diversification allowed him to meet different market demands and increase revenue.

Results: Financial Stability and Family Welfare

Thanks to his expanded business, Bernadus now earns around Rp 400,000 daily from selling vegetables at traditional markets in several villages. This income covers his family’s daily needs, pays for his children’s school tuition, and allows him to save money for their college education.

Bernadus’ story highlights the power of education, access to finance, and hard work in transforming rural livelihoods. His success is an inspiration for other farmers in Timor and beyond.

Lessons from Bernadus’ Journey

1. Training Matters: Gaining knowledge on modern farming methods can drastically improve productivity.
2. Access to Finance: Small loans can help scale a farm business if invested wisely.
3. Diversification: Growing a variety of crops can reduce risks and increase income.
4. Planning for the Future: Investing profits in family welfare and education secures long-term benefits.

Conclusion: Farming as a Pathway to Prosperity

Bernadus’ journey from a small garden to a profitable vegetable farm shows that with the right support and determination, small farmers can overcome challenges and improve their livelihoods. Programs like those from Wahana Visi Indonesia and microfinance institutions such as BRI play a critical role in empowering farmers.

If you are a farmer or someone interested in agriculture, remember that continuous learning, smart investments, and diversification can open new doors of opportunity.