Polije Empowers Curahlele Women’s Group to Turn Household Waste into Organic Fertilizer

Lecturers from Politeknik Negeri Jember (Polije) carried out a community service program (PkM) in Curahlele Village, Balung District, to transform household waste into organic fertilizer. The initiative targeted women’s community groups (PKK) with the dual purpose of reducing organic waste and strengthening household food security.

The program involved lecturers from the Departments of Agribusiness Management, Agricultural Production, and Health, with students assisting as facilitators. Ma’ratus Sholihah Abdul Hamid, head of the Curahlele PKK, praised the activity.

“Besides empowering housewives, this training makes waste more useful. The fertilizer can be used for home gardening or sold to increase income,” she said.

Launched in July 2025, the program was carried out in stages starting with awareness sessions, fertilizer-making workshops, and continuing with mentoring on packaging and simple business management. Participants showed high enthusiasm, even bringing their own organic waste from home.

“I never thought vegetable peels and fruit scraps could become fertilizer. I plan to use it for growing chili so I can save money,” said Wafi’, one of the participants.

Program leader Ariesia Ayuning emphasized the long-term vision.

“We want household waste utilization to continue growing so that communities can enjoy cleaner environments and greater self-reliance,” she explained.

Through this initiative, Polije hopes to inspire more rural communities to adopt environmentally friendly practices that contribute to sustainability and local economic empowerment.