Students of IPB University Vocational School Socialize Circular Agriculture Based on Organic Waste Bioconversion Technology
Students of IPB University Vocational School and Dramaga Region V Agricultural Extension Office (BPP) held socialization and technical guidance related to circular agriculture based on organic waste bioconversion technology through black soldier fly (BSF) maggot cultivation. The participants of this socialization and technical guidance are farmers who are intertwined in the Subur Tani Farmer Group Association (Gapoktan) of Sukaharja Village, Ciomas District, Bogor, West Java.
Ahmad Dani Pulungan, a student representative who became a resource person, said that the creation of a circular farming system through bioconversion technology of organic waste through maggot BSF was carried out to overcome the problem of environmental pollution issues. In addition, this step can be a solution to the increase in fertilizer prices, which has been a concern for farmers.
“Organic waste bioconversion technology through BSF maggot is an option. This is because BSF maggot can decompose organic waste quickly, do not spread disease, and its conversion is of high value,” Dani explained.
This, he said, is because BSF maggots have high protein which can be used as alternative feed. Moreover, the remaining metabolic products or manure can be used as organic fertilizer to overcome the fertilizer problems experienced by farmers.
“It should be noted that creating a circular farming system is certainly not easy. Therefore, all elements of society must take part and synergize in the establishment of this system,” he said.
Dani reminded that in implementing circular agriculture, village officials and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) must spearhead the socialization of organic and inorganic waste. This is so that this waste can be processed quickly and does not pollute the environment.
Muhammad Aziz Maulana, who is also a student of the Vocational School of IPB University, explained the technicalities of BSF maggot cultivation. Starting from the egg phase to the imago (adult fly). In the socialization, Aziz also showed several examples of phases to the participants.
“Our main goal is to process organic waste, while the output in the form of derivative products from waste processing is a bonus. The long-term goal is to create a village waste treatment center managed by the community and institutional strengthening. This effort is none other than so that farmers can process waste independently and get benefits in the form of fertilizer for their agriculture,” he concluded. (*/Rz) (IAAS/NVA)
