Agricultural Land Optimization in Karangtengah, IPB University Students Give Counselling on Cassava Fertilizer and Soil Microbes

IPB University’s Innovation Real-Thematic Work Lecture (KKNT) students completed the inaugural program in the form of counseling related to agricultural optimization to farmer groups and business actors in several villages in Cilongok District, Banyumas Regency, Central Java. The event was held at Karangtengah Village Hall, Cilongok District (15/7).

The target participants of the counseling were farmer group members from four villages in Cilongok Subdistrict, namely Karangtengah, Panembangan, Kalisari, and Rancamaya, and one village from Ajibarang Subdistrict, namely Lesmana.

The event was filled by two speakers, namely Ukhradiya M Safira P, SSi, MSi (Lecturer in Biochemistry at IPB University) and Sapto Nugroho Hadi, SSi, MBiotech (Lecturer at the Faculty of Agriculture, Jenderal Soedirman University).

Fatiha Zahra Zulfi, one of the KKNT Innovation students explained that the counseling was initiated by IPB University students based on the results of observation and research of the village situation. “The results of the research show that the majority of the people work as farmers, and the percentage of the area is dominated by agricultural / plantation land,” she explained.

In the sharing session, the Head of Karangtengah Village, Karyoto, explained the state of agriculture in Karangtengah Village and the main obstacles that have been experienced by farmers. He also advised the farmers.

“In the era of dry conditions like this, I appeal to farmers, please plant land that can be planted with secondary crops. If we are creative, there will be no useless land,” said Karyoto.

Sapto Nugroho Hadi, as the first speaker, informed participants about the important role of soil microbes in improving soil properties. “One of the causes of declining agricultural productivity is due to the damaged soil condition caused by excessive and continuous use of chemical fertilizers or pesticides,” he said.

The second resource person, Ukhradiya M Safira, also explained about organic fertilizers that can be used as an alternative by farmers. The IPB University lecturer explained kasgot fertilizer or fertilizer derived from maggot waste. (*/Rz) (IAAS/SNI)

Keywords: agricultural optimization, soil microbes, organic fertilizer, kasgot fertilizer Three SDGs points: Zero Hunger (SDG2 2), Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12), Life on Land (SDG 15).