Polije Trains Farmers in Seputih Village to Produce Organic Liquid Fertilizer and Botanical Pesticides

A team of lecturers from the Food Crop Production Technology (TPTP) Study Program, Politeknik Negeri Jember (Polije), conducted a training on producing organic liquid fertilizer (POC) and botanical pesticides in Seputih Village, Mayang District, Jember. This community service program aims to reduce farmers’ dependency on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.

The team leader, Tirto Wahyu Widodo, S.P., M.P., explained that the initiative was driven by the real challenges faced by local farmers.

“In Seputih, farmers struggle with the scarcity of synthetic fertilizers and pest attacks, especially bagworms on sengon plants. We want to provide environmentally friendly alternatives that can be locally produced by the community,” he said.

The program began with a workshop on the benefits of organic fertilizers and natural pesticides for environmental sustainability and long-term agricultural productivity. Participants then took part in hands-on sessions to produce liquid fertilizer from organic waste and botanical pesticides made from local materials.

Farmers expressed their enthusiasm during the training.

“So far, we only knew chemical pesticides. Through this training, we learned to make natural pesticides that are safer and more affordable,” said one participant.

Tirto emphasized that the long-term goal of the program is to build sustainable farming practices.

“We want the community to consistently produce and use POC and botanical pesticides, so they can cut production costs, protect the environment, and improve farmers’ welfare,” he added.

With support from Polije, farmers in Seputih Village are expected to develop sustainable agriculture that is not only productive but also environmentally friendly.