PADANG PARIAMAN, WEST SUMATRA -— Dompet Dhuafa has once again launched one of its flagship programs aimed at boosting the local economy: the DD Farm Rumah Gadang Livestock Center and the Cahaya Livestock Center of the Baitul Maal Foundation (YBM) UP2D West Sumatra in Korong Toboh Sikumbang, Nagari Balah Aia, VII Koto Sungai Sariak Subdistrict, Padang Pariaman Regency, West Sumatra, on Thursday (February 24, 2022).
The DD Farm program aims to encourage the community to develop integrated livestock farming as a top priority in driving economic growth and to channel the benefits of zakat funds to the surrounding community, particularly the underprivileged. Even amid the COVID-19 pandemic, this serves as proof that the economy continues to move forward. At this DD Farm, no livestock waste goes to waste. Everything is utilized, thereby creating economic value.
Erinaldi, Head of the West Sumatra Livestock Service, was also present to inaugurate the DD Farm Rumah Gadang Livestock Center and the Cahaya Livestock Center. Observing the progress of the DD Farm program, he noted that it has the potential to become a Village Corporation. Thus, there will be a parent unit managing the implementation of the program, such as in the livestock sector.
“We can look to the central government’s livestock programs as a model; there is the concept of a ‘Village Corporation.’ We have already implemented this in South Solok, where there is a Village Corporation for cattle farming. In the future, we will strive to establish this Village Corporation model for the DD Farm Center in Padang Pariaman. All that remains is for Dompet Dhuafa Singgalang to submit a program proposal. If this program runs well in the future, we will turn DD Farm into a management center or a tangible manifestation of the Village Corporation. Hopefully, the DD Farm Livestock Center program will run smoothly and achieve maximum results in the future,” Erinaldi emphasized.
On the same occasion, Hadie Bandarian Syah, Branch Manager of Dompet Dhuafa Singgalang, stated that DD Farm is one of the organization’s flagship programs. Using an integrated closed-loop system from upstream to downstream, Dompet Dhuafa will facilitate and support the program from start to finish—from providing facilities and buildings to ensuring the availability of feed, sheep medication, and other necessities. Furthermore, market demand will also be confirmed directly with the farmers.
“We also empower farmers from the areas surrounding the program site. This mechanism will create a positive impact. Thus, from the final sales process, 70% of the 100% net profit generated will be allocated to the program’s endowment, while the remaining 30% can be distributed by group members to the local underprivileged,” said Hadie.
Hadie also added that the zakat funds collected by Dompet Dhuafa Singgalang are being utilized to foster growth and provide widespread benefits. For the initial phase of the program, Hadie explained, the focus was solely on fattening sheep to meet the demand for sacrificial meat. However, after one year of operation, a breeding program has now been established.
“How can these funds improve the community’s welfare so that those who were initially recipients (mustahik) can become donors (muzaki)? Today, we’re seeing high demand for sheep. Of course, with a shared commitment, we’re serious about developing this program. Since Dompet Dhuafa’s headquarters and its entire network require 50,000 sheep annually, And, since we’ve only been able to meet 20,000 of that demand, this is certainly a point for us to note—how we must work to ensure the availability of sheep stock to meet that target,” concluded Hadie.
Ricki Yacob, Manager of PLN UP2D West Sumatra, stated that the Cahaya Livestock Center program specifically is a collaboration between the Baitul Maal Foundation (YBM) of PLN UP2D West Sumatra and DD Singgalang. YBM PLN collects 2.5% of all employees’ zakat. Specifically in West Sumatra, YBM PLN UP2D West Sumatra also allocates zakat funds to this livestock center economic program so that beneficiaries can feel the benefits.
“Alhamdulillah, we have been collaborating with DD Singgalang on this program since November 2021. Today, we are officially launching the DD Farm Rumah Gadang DD Singgalang Livestock Center, which has been operational for one year. May this program bring blessings, continue to grow, and help improve the community’s economy,” said Ricki. (Dompet Dhuafa / Singgalang / Arlen)