An environmentally friendly technology-based empowerment program has been successfully carried out by Agricultural Microbiology student of the 2022 cohort, Elnadya Karina Cahya Murti, over a period of 50 days to optimize the abundant local resources. Elnadya was accompanied by the KKN-PPM Junjung Pulau Besar team, Period II of 2025, in Sumber Jaya Permai Village, South Bangka Regency, Bangka Belitung Islands.

To enhance sustainable agricultural and livestock productivity, Elnadya focused her program on the application of microbiological knowledge. The work programs included producing cocopeat planting media from coconut husk waste through microbial fermentation, education and application of mycorrhizal propagules on corn seeds, and the utilization of briquettes made from cattle manure as an alternative energy source.

The program was implemented through a participatory approach, directly involving local farmer and livestock groups. Farmers of Sumber Jaya Permai Village were guided through hands-on demonstrations and received intensive assistance in applying microbe-based technologies. Both farmer and livestock groups warmly welcomed the program, showing strong interest in integrating environmentally friendly and sustainable agricultural and livestock practices. Farmers and breeders were able to experience firsthand the benefits of diversifying their agricultural and livestock products.

Theoretically, this program validates the idea of synergy between microbiology and the concept of sustainable agriculture. According to Elnadya, microorganisms play an important role in the fermentation of cattle manure into high-quality briquettes, the mycorrhizal symbiosis that enhances phosphorus absorption efficiency in corn plants, and the decomposition of coconut husks into cocopeat growing media enriched with beneficial microbes.

Furthermore, the KKN-PPM Junjung Pulau Besar program, supervised by Prof. Ir. Panjono, S.Pt., MP., Ph.D., IPM., ASEAN Eng., represents active student participation in supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

The community of Sumber Jaya Permai Village has gained significant benefits from this environmentally friendly technology-based empowerment program. The program’s success was supported by the contribution of KKN team members, the village administration, and the enthusiastic participation of the community in adopting eco-friendly technologies. This initiative serves as a sustainable community empowerment model that can be replicated in other villages across South Bangka.

The UGM KKN-PPM Semerbak Banyuwangi team successfully introduced mycorrhizal biofertilizer to the Kumojoyo Farmers Group in Tegalsari Village, Tegalsari District, Banyuwangi Regency. The work program, entitled Application of Mycorrhizal Biofertilizer on Corn Plants, was initiated by Rr. Angelicha Larasati Chandra Diningrat, a 2022 Agricultural Microbiology student. The program was held from June 30 to July 12, 2025 as a response to farmers’ concerns regarding declining corn productivity caused by pathogenic fungi.

The team carried out a socialization session on mycorrhizal biofertilizer during the routine meeting of the Kumojoyo Farmers Group at the neighborhood head’s residence. The presentation covered the symbiotic relationship between Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) and corn plants, as well as its benefits in nutrient absorption, root system expansion, and increased plant resistance to diseases and drought stress. Farmers also participated in a discussion and hands-on practice of applying the biofertilizer to support corn productivity.

One of the farmers, Mr. Setiawidi, expressed his enthusiasm: “This weekend I will plant corn and directly apply the mycorrhizal biofertilizer,” he said. This response reflected the farmers’ interest in adopting environmentally friendly agricultural practices.

The team introduced “Zakti” mycorrhizal biofertilizer, produced by PT Biotek Cipta Kreasi. Farmers were guided in applying the biofertilizer according to the instructions on the packaging. A total of 6 grams of fertilizer was mixed with 2 kg of corn seeds until evenly distributed. Together with the KKN-PPM team, the farmers planted the treated seeds on a 1,800 m² cornfield. The team also donated additional Zakti biofertilizer to corn farmers in Mojoroto Hamlet. Through this activity, farmers are expected to adopt sustainable farming practices and improve corn productivity.

Under the supervision of Ardhya Nareswari, S.T., M.T., Ph.D., as the Field Supervisor (DPL), the KKN-PPM “Semerbak Banyuwangi” program represents students’ commitment to supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, SDG 13: Climate Action, and SDG 15: Life on Land.

The activity also left a meaningful impression on the team. “I am very happy to apply the knowledge I gained in lectures. We were able to directly assist farmers in preparing seeds and planting corn. It was truly a valuable experience to learn from the farmers and the natural environment of Tegalsari Village,” said Angelicha, a student of the Faculty of Agriculture, UGM.

Writer: Rr. Angelicha Larasati Chandra Diningrat
Editor: Agrit Kirana Bunda
Photo: Documentation of UGM KKN-PPM Semerbak Banyuwangi Team, 2025

The KKN-PPM UGM Tilik Tulakan team for the second period of 2025 has successfully completed its community service program in Tulakan Village and Bungur Village, Tulakan District, Pacitan Regency. The team, consisting of 29 students, was guided by Gilang Wirakusuma, S.P., M.Sc. as the Field Supervisor (DPL). Tulakan District was chosen because of its significant role in strengthening the agricultural sector, considered the leading sector of the region. The program, which took place from June 29 to July 2, 2025, focused on the concerns of local residents regarding declining agricultural yields due to poor soil fertility.

In response to this problem, Almayra Khanza Fahrani (Agricultural Microbiology, class of 2022) along with other students from the agro cluster conducted soil pH measurements in the rice fields of Gesingan Hamlet, Tulakan District. The activity aimed to identify soil acidity levels, which were suspected to be a major factor behind reduced rice productivity. Measurements were carried out using a digital pH meter and manual indicators directly in the farmers’ fields.

“By seeing firsthand the condition of the rice fields in Gesingan Hamlet, we better understood the challenges faced by farmers, particularly soil acidity, which greatly affects harvest yields,” said Almayra, a student of the Faculty of Agriculture UGM.

Farmers actively participated in the discussion of the measurement results and received education on the importance of maintaining soil pH balance to support crop growth. After conducting checks at several points, the soils in Gesingan rice fields were found to have an average pH of 4–5, indicating acidity. At the end of the activity, farmers were provided with practical solutions such as applying lime and organic matter to improve soil quality. One of the farmers, Mr. Turikin, shared his concerns: “The soil here often causes rice crop failures, the grains are empty, and the harvest is not optimal. Perhaps because there has never been any special treatment to maintain soil health.”

The team also brought pH meters to conduct on-site checks and donated one to the farmers of Gesingan Hamlet. Through this activity, it is expected that farmers will gain a better understanding of their soil conditions and take corrective measures to support sustainable agriculture. On the other hand, members of the Tilik Tulakan KKN team also engaged in broader agricultural initiatives such as training on biopesticides, composting, silage production, and the introduction of modern agricultural tools and machinery. With these programs, Almayra and her peers hope to deliver long-term benefits and positive contributions to the community.

The KKN-PPM “Tilik Tulakan” program serves as concrete evidence of commitment to advancing the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 15: Life on Land, SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 13: Climate Action, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

Writer: Almayra Khanza Fahrani
Editor: Agrit Kirana Bunda

In August 2024, Muhammad Misbahul Anam, a student of the Agricultural Microbiology class of 2021, completed his Community Service-Learning and Community Empowerment Program (KKN-PPM) for the second period of the 2023/2024 academic year in Sugian Village, Sambelia Sub-district, East Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara. The KKN took place from July to August. This KKN activity is one of the compulsory courses that students must participate in. The KKN serves as a platform to apply what has been learned in lectures directly to the community. For Misbah, as the microbiology student is often called, KKN encourages students to connect directly with the community, pushing them, who may have previously been confined to laptops, books, and classroom activities, to immerse themselves in the community, interact directly with residents, solve existing problems, and engage in the surrounding social life. In some scenarios, students may even become involved in those problems, requiring them to solve the issues they face while considering local culture so that the solutions provided by the students can be accepted by the community. The KKN lasted for 50 days. Although it sounds short, Misbah feels that the time was sufficient to provide the experience of living and working directly within the community.

Since the majority of the people in Sugian Village, where Misbah conducted his KKN, are farmers and fishermen, Misbah, as an Agricultural Microbiology student, felt that much of what he learned in college could be applied there. The development of maggot cultivation facilities as a material for producing organic fertilizers and the socialization and mentoring for making POC Ember Tumpuk (stacked bucket organic fertilizers) were two of the several work programs that Misbah implemented. For Misbah, the most important aspect of the KKN work programs is that the knowledge shared through these programs is not only applied during the presence of KKN students but can also be continued by the community in the future, in other words, “sustainable.” Therefore, Misbah coordinated with the village government and the community to ensure that what was done during the KKN could be continued. For Misbah, the success of the KKN programs is inseparable from the support of the community and local government. According to Misbah, the value to be derived from the KKN activity is that differences in ethnicity, race, religion, and culture do not hinder collaboration, mutual assistance, and cooperation in advancing the Indonesian nation.

This KKN program also aligns with Indonesia’s development and growth path, guided by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs relevant to the programs carried out are SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 13: Climate Action, and SDG 15: Life on Land.

Author: Muhammad Misbahul Anam