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Students of the Agribusiness Management Study Program at Politeknik Negeri Jember (Polije) carried out a Project-Based Learning (PBL) activity on Horticultural Crop Production at the Teaching Factory (Tefa) Innovation Garden of Polije. This activity is part of a project-based learning method aimed at providing students with hands-on experience in managing horticultural crops, particularly watermelons.
The activity begins with seed selection, followed by planting. After that, students carry out the maintenance of watermelon plants, both seeded and seedless varieties. Some of the activities include fertilization, weeding of the beds, and routine daily care. Through this practice, students can understand how to properly care for watermelon plants to produce high-quality fruit.
One of the Agribusiness Management students, Siti Nur Halisa, stated that through this practicum, she gained many new insights regarding fertilization techniques and the correct methods for maintaining seedless watermelon plants.
“From this practicum, I have gained an understanding of seedless watermelon plant care and the proper fertilization techniques. We learned how to provide nutrients according to the plant’s needs and how to maintain land cleanliness to ensure optimal plant growth,” said Siti Nur Halisa.
According to her, project-based learning methods like this are very beneficial because they provide students with direct learning experiences in the field. This way, they not only understand the theory but can also apply their knowledge in real-life situations.
In addition to maintenance, students will also carry out the harvesting process when the watermelons reach the appropriate age and condition for picking. Later, the harvest from this PBL activity will be sold as part of the students’ agribusiness practice. This step aims to provide a deeper understanding of horticultural product marketing and how to manage agricultural businesses sustainably.
This PBL activity is one of the implementations of the Teaching Factory concept, allowing students to experience working in a real industry environment. Through this activity, students are expected to develop skills in the field of agribusiness and be well-prepared to enter the agricultural industry after graduation.
Students are encouraged to make the most of this practical opportunity so they can understand all stages of horticultural crop production, from maintenance to marketing the harvested products. Thus, Polije graduates are expected to be ready to compete in the workforce or become entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector. (rda)