Sheep Farmers in Jember Turn Waste Into Organic Fertilizer

The INOVATIF Livestock Group in Suco Village, Mumbulsari District, Jember, is transforming sheep manure—previously considered waste and a potential environmental pollutant—into organic fertilizer with economic value. With over 100 sheep, the group produces nearly 50 kilograms of manure daily, which is now being converted into a resource to support sustainable farming.

The initiative is part of the 2025 PNBP community service program by Politeknik Negeri Jember (Polije). A team of lecturers, led by Ir. Anang Febri Prasetyo, trained farmers on how to create probiotics from sheep rumen fluid and process manure into faster-maturing organic fertilizer. “This is the first step for INOVATIF farmers to optimize livestock waste for economic benefit,” Anang explained.

During the training, lecturer Nisa Budi Arifiani demonstrated how to make probiotics using local ingredients such as shrimp paste, corn bran, molasses, potatoes, and pineapple. The probiotics not only accelerate the composting process but also have the potential to be marketed as an additional product. “Our goal is for farmers to produce their own probiotics instead of buying them, and even sell them as an extra source of income,” she noted.

Farmers also participated in hands-on practice, turning manure into high-quality organic fertilizer. The training was met with enthusiasm, as participants actively engaged in discussions on fertilizer production and its agricultural benefits. “Now we know how to make our own probiotics and fertilizer. It’s very helpful so the waste doesn’t go to waste,” said Sanijo, one of the farmers.

This local innovation aligns with global sustainability trends. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), sustainable livestock waste management can reduce greenhouse gas emissions while boosting agricultural productivity. By adopting such practices, Suco Village could serve as a model for circular economy initiatives, contributing not only to local food security but also to the broader global effort to build environmentally friendly and resilient farming systems.