IPB University Professor Presents Technology to Solve Pest Problems and Fertilizer Difficulties to Hundreds of Farmers
Farmers around Blora, Tuban, and Bojonegoro are currently facing various rice cultivation problems. These problems are unpredictable rainfall, an increasing number of pests and diseases, and a need for fertilizer assistance. It was revealed in a Farmer Discussion activity held by a community of farmers in Getas Village, Cepu District, Blora Regency, on Saturday, 13/1.
Prof Suryo Wiyono, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, IPB University, who was present as a resource person, said that there is a Rice Biointensive Agriculture technology that can be used to solve these problems.
“Biointensive rice farming is a rice production system that optimizes natural and biological processes to increase productivity and sustainability with the main components of plant bio-immunization, adequate organic matter, optimization of synthetic chemical fertilizers, and no pesticides,” explained Prof Suryo Wiyono.
He continued that biointensive rice farming that has been developed by IPB University over the past ten years has been tested in various regions such as Karawang, Subang, Indramayu, Tegal, Bojonegoro, and Gresik. It is proven that the technology can increase production by 25 percent, reduce the use of synthetic fertilizers, and drastically reduce pests and diseases.
“For agriculture that tends to lack water, upland rice technology is more suitable. IPB University has produced upland rice varieties IPB 9G and IPB 10G, which are dry tolerant. IPB 9G rice is now used by partner farmers of the Faculty of Agriculture of IPB University, covering 21 hectares spread across Pati, Blora, Bojonegoro, Gunung Kidul, and Bantul,” said the professor of Plant Protection Science.
Regent of Blora, H Arief Rohman, stated, “All farmers must apply suitable and modern technology to overcome various agricultural problems. It is expected that IPB University can make a large demonstration plot (dem-farm) to disseminate various technologies owned,” he said.
Meanwhile, one of the farmers of Cepu District, Siti Nurkhotimah said, “This activity is intended as a place for farmers to learn so that farmers get new ideas and knowledge that can apply in Cepu District and surrounding areas,” said Siti. (*L/p) (IAAS/SNI)
