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The Department of Agricultural Production at Politeknik Negeri Jember (Polije) has launched a community service program titled “Acceleration of Sustainable Citrus Cultivation Development in the Ngudi Rejeki Farmers Group through Rejuvenation, Integrated Pest Management, and Institutional Strengthening.” This initiative was designed to address the declining productivity of citrus farmers in Jember, where yields dropped from an average of 40–60 kg per tree to only 25 kg due to aging plantations, pest infestations, and weak institutional support.
Program leader Ir. Refa Firgiyanto, S.P., M.Si. emphasized that the project builds upon Polije’s previous efforts to assist farmers.
“Our focus is on rejuvenating citrus trees, implementing eco-friendly pest management, and strengthening farmer organizations. The goal is not only to increase productivity but also to enhance competitiveness in the market,” he explained.
Through collaboration with the Teaching Factory Innovation Orchard, the program introduced modern agricultural technologies, carried out orchard rejuvenation, and successfully reduced pest attacks. Farmers also received training to adopt sustainable practices that improve both crop quality and environmental balance. The impact has been directly felt by local farmers, who reported higher yields and stronger resilience against production challenges.
The initiative was supported by the 2025 PNBP Grant of Polije under the Teaching Factory Community Service Scheme. The team consisted of horticulture experts including Fandyka Yufriza Ali, Leli Kurniasari, Ir. M. Bintoro, and Estin Roso Pristiwaningsih. According to the head of the Ngudi Rejeki Farmers Group, the program has renewed optimism among members.
“Our orchards are now more productive, pest pressure has decreased, and harvest results are improving. This program gives us new hope for our farming business,” he said.
With this collaboration, Polije reinforces its commitment to empowering rural communities, ensuring sustainable citrus farming in Jember, and contributing to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to poverty reduction, sustainable agriculture, and economic growth.