IPB University Lecturer Successfully Harvests Superior Rice for the First Time in Klaten Regency through the Dospulkam Program
IPB University has once again implemented the Dosen Pulang Kampung (Dospulkam) program to expand the adoption of technology and innovation across Indonesia. This program provides lecturers with the opportunity to share knowledge and innovation with local communities. It is also a form of community service, aimed at bringing academic research results closer to farmers on the ground.
One of the teams involved in Dospulkam consists of lecturers from the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, at IPB University. The team, comprising Dr Ani Kurniawati, Dr Heni Purnamawati, Candra Budiman SP MS, and Prof Hajrial Aswidinnoor, carried out an initiative titled ‘Increasing Adoption of IPB Innovation through Dissemination of IPB Rice and Prima Cultivation Technology in the Rice Production Center of Klaten Regency.’
The support activities began in May 2024. Dr Ani and her team collaborated with the local government, particularly the Karangduren Village Government, and the organization Kontak Tani Nelayan Andalan (KTNA) of Kebonarum District, Klaten, Central Java.
One of the key activities was the planting of five superior rice varieties developed by IPB University: IPB 3S, IPB 9G, IPB 12S, IPB 13S, and IPB 14S. Farmers were then introduced to the potential of these rice varieties and received training on optimal cultivation techniques, specifically the Prima cultivation technology.
Recently, Dr Ani and her team oversaw the first harvest of the IPB 9G variety in Kebonarum District. It is worth noting that IPB 9G, one of the superior varieties developed by Prof Hajrial, is characterized by its ability to be cultivated in water-scarce areas.
The harvest was carried out on land owned by a KTNA member, Iwan Mustopa. During the production process, Iwan reported that his rice field had been affected by disease and rat infestation, slightly reducing the potential yield.
“The IPB University team that came to supervise and inspect the condition of the crops provided some recommendations to mitigate the effects of the disease. One of them was adding liquid organic fertilizer to improve soil quality and plant health, which helped improve the crop’s condition,” he said.
The Chief of Karangduren Village expressed that the presence of IPB University’s innovation brings new hope to the local farmers. “We hope that IPB University’s innovations can bring real change for the farmers here. We have already seen the enthusiasm of the farmers eager to try these new varieties on their land,” he remarked.
According to Dr Ani, the Dospulkam program not only introduces new rice varieties but also has a long-term impact on the agricultural sector in Klaten Regency. She hopes that this program will continue to grow and positively impact the community, particularly the farmers.
“Through this program, IPB University is not only demonstrating its commitment to agricultural technology development but also ensuring that the innovations truly benefit the farmers and can improve their livelihoods,” she concluded. (*/Nr/Rz) (IAAS/RUM)
