The spirit of farming versus Corona virus

By Frans Fredi Kalikit Bara

The end of 2019 is one momentum of a new history for all humans on earth, a new type of virus was discovered in China, precisely in Wuhan. This virus attacks the respiratory system, infects the lung to death. Corona is a new type that is transmitted from human to human, very quickly and it has spread out to almost countries in the globe. Some countries have begun to make efforts or policies to prevent the spread of the virus by doing lockdown.

On March 2, 2020, the virus has detected to get into Indonesia with two positive cases. Based on Kompas news (Wednesday 29/07/2020), The Covid-19 Handling Task Force confirmed positive cases reached 104.432 patients. The number of patients infected by this virus is increasing day by day and it is not known when this outbreak will end. The infection of Corona virus creates many changes in most aspects of life. Many people lost their jobs, many businesses got bankrupt, many people suffered from stress due to limited space and the country's economic condition led to be deficit.

The Stube HEMAT Horticultures Farmers Community convince ourselves that we are stronger than the Corona virus. This statement is one of our motivations to eliminate fear. The virus is not the barrier for young people to remain productive, even in the limited mobility. In the current condition, food is one of the basic and primary needs for human to survive. The Ministry of Agriculture itself recommends maintaining the production of agriculture or, if possible, the total output of agricultural products must be increased.

Indirectly, it opens opportunity behind the threat of the Corona virus, agricultural business become the flagship business because it plays important role in sustaining food needs for human to survive. The Community sees such condition as the responsibility of young people to take the baton of agriculture in Indonesia and the business opportunity for young people. Agricultural business is one business that will never die, because it is directly related to basic human needs.

By following the health protocol set by the government, Sumba youth, especially the community, will continue to work and to foster a farming spirit that is stronger than the Corona virus. ***