Caritas Indonesia aids farmers to increase agricultural potential

Caritas Indonesia, ‘Karina’, the country’s Catholic charity network, provided agricultural equipment and horticultural seeds to farmers to increase their productivity in Atambua, the apostolic vicariate of West Timor.

"The facilities provided are a means to develop the potential that exists in the village and increase cooperation in groups so that they can become better," said Father Maxi Sikone, director of Caritas Atambua.

On August 15, the Caritas Diocese of Atambua handed over assistance for agricultural equipment and horticultural seeds to assisted farmer groups in Manunain village and Ainiut village, Insana District, North Central Timor Regency, East Nusa Tenggara.

East Nusa Tenggara is Indonesia's most southerly province. It is made up of the easternmost Lesser Sunda Islands, which face the Indian Ocean to the south and the Flores Sea to the north.

The Head of Insana Sub-district, Alexander Tabesi, said the government is grateful to Caritas and hopes that all the equipment can be maintained and used properly for the common good.

Representing the Bishop Dominikus Saku of Atambua, Father Hironimus Masu (bishop’s secretary), emphasized that the beneficiary group must be able to develop the existing potential with tangible results so that it can be a learning example for other groups to produce vegetable commodities without buying them from outside the village.

"We will do regular monitoring to see agricultural developments in the group and also each member," said Father Sikone.

The handover of this aid was also marked by the signing of the minutes by the Caritas Diocese of Atambua, the village government, and assist groups.

Caritas Diocese of Atambua's assistance in agriculture is part of the Asset-Based Community Development or ABCD-based approach for livelihood program together with Caritas Indonesia with the support of Caritas Australia. - Caritas Indonesia