Prof Hermanu Triwidodo Tells the History of Friendship between POPT and Farmers in Dealing with OPT
Head of Farmers and Fishermen Center (TNC) IPB University, Prof Hermanu Triwidodo said farmers and the Center for Forecasting Plant Pest Organisms (POPT) have a long history of friendship in dealing with plant pests (OPT) attacks.
In its journey, POPT plays a role in promoting integrated pest control, together with farmers encouraging the cultivation of healthy plants and maximizing the role of farmer partners. POPT is always vigilant with periodic observations and creates expert farmers on their land.
"POPT is needed in its implementation not only as extension agents but as guides who act as resource persons and discussion partners. What needs to be created is how there are guides who can accompany farmers to learn," he said in the Propaktani Webinar titled 'POPT Friends of Farmers (3/5) with the Directorate General of Food Crops, Ministry of Agriculture.
Prof Hermanu emphasized that pest control is the responsibility of farmers and POPT. The government should also help in its implementation. Farmers are given integrated pest management knowledge through knowledge transfer, not technology transfer. Through this, farmers can hone their own adaptability in dealing with pests.
"Therefore, in transmitting knowledge, how do farmers find themselves so that they master the technology. Farmers used to be more passive, asked to listen to counseling, POPT tried to reveal the critical attitude of farmers through Field Schools," he continued.
The Professor of IPB University explained that the establishment of Field Schools is one of the education to empower farmers to become expert farmers. Both with transformative education and liberating education.
“Critical education such as Field Schools makes learning equivalence. Farmers can become experts, not just academics in universities," said Prof Hermanu.
Equality in learning began in October 1986 on reports from IPB University experts about the threat of planthopper attacks which could reach 50,100 hectares in area. These findings threaten rice self-sufficiency. The attack was allegedly due to the use of pesticides which damaged the environment, so the experts finally recommended implementing integrated pest management (IPM). (MW/Rz) (IAAS/Hap)
