Polije Empowers Women in Rambipuji to Transform Household Waste into Organic Fertilizer

A team of lecturers from Politeknik Negeri Jember (Polije) has introduced the BERDIKARI program (Together Creating Organic Liquid Fertilizer), aimed at empowering women’s groups in Rambipuji Village. The initiative trains local women to turn household waste into organic liquid fertilizer (POC) as a sustainable solution to reduce waste and support food security.

According to lecturer Irma Harliningtyas, the materials for POC are simple and widely available.

“Food scraps, rotten fruits, and wilted vegetables can all be processed into natural fertilizer rich in essential nutrients,” she explained.

Her colleague Jumiatun highlighted that the practice benefits both the environment and the household economy.

“By producing their own POC, families can reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers, improve soil health, and save on farming costs,” she said.

The training also encourages women to grow vegetables in their own backyards using organic fertilizer. Rindha Rentina Darah Pertami emphasized that this approach promotes healthier diets while reducing environmental impact.

Held at PKK Curah Ancar Community Center, the workshop attracted strong participation from local women. The BERDIKARI initiative underscores Polije’s commitment to gender empowerment, circular economy practices, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), while offering a replicable model for sustainable rural development.