IPB University and Astra Collaborate to Hold Avocado Cultivation Training in Tegal
IPB University and PT Astra International are opening up opportunities for sustainable economic development by providing training on avocado cultivation techniques in Guci Tourism Village, Tegal Regency. This program is part of the Astra Prosperous Village (DSA) initiative, which aims to improve community welfare while developing environmentally friendly villages.
Avocados were chosen as a leading commodity because they have high economic potential, are quick to harvest, have low maintenance costs, and can be harvested regardless of the season. The program involves farmers from Guci, Batumirah, Tuwel, and Rembul villages who have previously cultivated avocados but still face limitations in accessing information on techniques suitable for local geographical conditions.
The program coordinator from IPB University, Muhammad Syukur, emphasized that the focus of the activity was not only on cultivation training but also on managing tourism potential. “The opportunity to cultivate avocados in Guci Tourism Village is expected to increase economic opportunities for the community and provide alternative tourism options for tourists,” he said in his speech.
To strengthen the farmers’ capacity, IPB University invited avocado cultivation practitioner Sigit Pramono. Through interactive discussions, he explained the top working technique as an effective method to increase avocado tree productivity.
“This technique improves the quality of less productive plants by grafting the rootstock of mature parent trees with superior varieties. If avocados are grown from seeds without cuttings or grafting, the quality of the fruit will not be optimal,” explained Sigit.
Sigit also emphasized the importance of selecting varieties that are suitable for the climate. Not all types of avocados are suitable for planting in cold areas such as Guci. Therefore, the Hass and Miki varieties are recommended as the primary choices.
The event, which was also attended by field agricultural extension workers (PPL) from Bumijawa District, was enthusiastically welcomed by the community. They even proposed further assistance for large-scale planting on land, starting from seed selection, sowing, planting methods, maintenance, harvesting, to marketing.
The hope is that this guidance will open new avenues for the people of Guci to improve their well-being through sustainable agriculture and avocado-based tourism. (*/Rz) (IAAS/NRA)
