Farmer Empowerment through Soil Health and Horticultural Plant Diagnostic Technique Training in Tik Kuto Village, Rimbo Pengadang District, Lebong Regency, Bengkulu Province
Lebong. On Friday, September 13, 2024, a Community Service activity was carried out by a research team from LPPM University of Bengkulu. Mrs. Dr. Mimi Sutrawati, S.P., M.Si (Lecturer of the Plant Protection Study Program, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Bengkulu) chaired this community service activity. The members of the service activities consisted of Mr. Dr. Sukisno, S.P., M.Si (Lecturer of the Soil Science Study Program, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Bengkulu), Mr. Dr. Apri Andani, S.P., M.Si (Lecturer of the Agribusiness Study Program, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Bengkulu), and Mrs. Sura Menda Ginting, Ph.D (Lecturer of the Chemistry Education Study Program, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, University of Bengkulu). This community service activity was conducted in Tik Kuto Village, Rimbo Pengadang District, Lebong Regency, Bengkulu Province. This activity is one of the efforts to improve community welfare through education and skills training programs, with the program title “Farmer Empowerment through Soil Health and Horticultural Crop Diagnostic Technique Training in Tik Kuto Village, Rimbo Pengadang District, Lebong Regency, Bengkulu Province.”
This activity was attended by 25 participants, consisting of horticultural crop farmers and residents of Tik Kuto Village. Various activities were carried out at the event, including counseling and training on soil health diagnosis, plant disease diagnosis training, and compost-making training. Training activities are carried out by practicing directly at the activity location.
This event was opened directly by the Head of Tik Kuto Village, Mr. Lasmudin, S.H., who delivered a speech about the importance of collaboration between the community and academics in improving the quality of life and empowering the community so that farmers are more independent. The Village Head assessed that this activity was very beneficial for the residents of Tik Kuto Village. He also wants this activity to be carried out periodically, considering farmers’ lack of knowledge, especially in assessing soil fertility quality and identifying the causes of plant diseases.
In the initial session, the participants participated in a “Rapid Fingerprint of Plant Nutrition Symptoms” training activity entitled ” Rapid Fingerprint” delivered by Mr. Dr. Sukisno, S.P., M.Si. This material is relevant to his field of expertise, namely Soil Science. The activity continued with counseling and training by Dr. Mimi Sutrawati, S.P., M.Si. Dr. Mimi Sutrawati, S.P., M.Si delivered the training entitled “Diagnosis of Biotic and Abiotic Diseases in Horticultural Plants“. This theme is based on Dr. Mimi Sutrawati’s field of expertise, namely being an expert in plant diseases, especially diseases caused by viruses. This event was guided by Dr. Apri Andani, S.P., M.Si, and supported by 3 (three) students from the S1 Program and 1 (one) student from the S3 Program of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Bengkulu.
While listening to the event, participants must also complete a questionnaire at the beginning (before the counseling and training activities start) and at the end (after the counseling and training are completed). The questionnaire is used to assess farmers’ level of knowledge before and after the empowerment program. This instrument can be used as evaluation material for beneficiary farmers to provide feedback on satisfaction with the program, what they have learned, and recommendations for future improvement of activities. Participants were also given a training module titled “Diagnosis of Biotic and Abiotic Diseases in Horticultural Plants,” written directly by Dr. Mimi Sutrawati, S.P., M.Si, for free.
During the activity, the participants showed high enthusiasm. They actively asked questions and discussed with the presenters. This indicates that this activity can foster awareness and increase public knowledge about Soil Health Diagnostic Techniques and Horticultural Crops in Tik Kuto Village, Rimbo Pengadang District, Lebong Regency, Bengkulu Province. The event continued with ishoma and lunch break. The last activity was making compost from coffee husk waste, led directly by Dr. Sukisno, S.P., M.Si. During the practical activities, the trainees looked severe and enthusiastic. They actively participate in the process of making compost.
At the end of the event, photo documentation was carried out with the entire organizing team, the Village Head, and all participants. The implementing party of the service activity then gave thanks to all participants. The organizing team expects this activity to provide sustainable benefits for the community, increase community knowledge, and become the first step of other larger service programs in the future.
