PPK Ormawa Himagreto IPB University Hosts Plant Clinic, Providing Consultation and Practical Training for Farmers in Cibunian Village
To enhance agricultural productivity and environmental conservation, IPB University students from the Program for Strengthening Student Organizations (PPK Ormawa), specifically from the Student Association of Agrometeorology (Himagreto), organized a ‘Comprehensive Plant Clinic’ in Cibunian Village, Pamijahan, Bogor Regency, West Java.
The event aimed to equip farmers with knowledge and skills for sustainable plant management. The plant clinic offered not only consultations but also a range of engaging practical activities.
Farmers were taught how to make botanical pesticides from readily available natural materials. Additionally, they were introduced to various types of biological control agents that effectively manage pests and plant diseases without harming the environment.
“This event is very beneficial for us farmers. Usually, we use chemical pesticides to handle pests and plant diseases. However, after attending this clinic, we now understand how to address these issues using natural and safe methods,” said Juli, a participant in the plant clinic.
The students also demonstrated how to make botanical pesticides from easily accessible local materials, aiming to reduce farmers’ reliance on expensive chemical pesticides that have negative environmental impacts.
In addition to botanical pesticides, demonstrations were held on multiplying biological control agents using locally available media. By using these methods, farmers can enhance soil quality and crop productivity sustainably while avoiding environmental contamination.
Rahmadhanti Hilda, an IPB University student from the Department of Plant Protection and a speaker at the event, stated that the plant clinic is a form of community service by the students.
“We hope this activity will provide tangible benefits to the farmers in Cibunian Village. Furthermore, we aim to raise awareness about the importance of sustainable agriculture,” she said.
Hilda noted that the farmers showed great enthusiasm during the event. They actively asked questions and engaged in discussions with the students. The success of the plant clinic was also attributed to the support from various parties, including the village government and farmer groups. The students hope similar activities will continue periodically and be implemented by the community.
“With this plant clinic, we hope farmers in Cibunian Village can improve both the quality and quantity of their harvests, reduce the use of chemical pesticides, and ultimately enhance community well-being,” she concluded.
Hilda also mentioned that the event serves as a practical example of how scientific knowledge can be applied to solve community issues. (*/Rz) (IAAS/RUM)
