IPB University Students Create SwitBio: All-in-One Seedling Medium with Natural RH-Indicator from Turmeric
IPB University students have once again demonstrated their achievements in creating innovations that have an impact on the wider community. Through the Student Creativity Program in Entrepreneurship (PKM-K), the Aloka Farm Group team has introduced the innovative product SwitBio.
The PKM team leader, Fasya Novelia, explained that SwitBio is an all-in-one seedling medium based on biochar, chitosan, and seaweed with a natural humidity indicator. This innovation was created to address the challenges of conventional seedling media, which are often inefficient and not environmentally friendly.
“So far, farmers and plant enthusiasts often use seedling media that are not uniform, are easily contaminated, and require additional fertilizers and pesticides,” she said. This condition, Fasya added, leads to suboptimal seedling and seedlings being susceptible to disease.
On the other hand, seedling media in general are not yet equipped with humidity indicators, so watering is done manually without precise measurement. This results in water waste and a high risk of failed seedlings. “From these problems, we present a science-based solution that is practical, healthy, and sustainable,” she added.
SwitBio combines three main ingredients: biochar, chitosan, and seaweed, producing a nutrient-rich seedling medium to increase seedling growth. Its main advantage lies in the natural humidity indicator (RH-Indicator) based on turmeric that changes color according to humidity levels.
“With this feature, users can know the exact time for watering, save water, and increase seedling efficiency,” she explained.
As a student entrepreneurship creation, SwitBio not only excels in innovation but has also reached the break even point (BEP), proving its business feasibility in the market.
This innovation has received widespread appreciation, including from the Indonesian Minister of Agriculture, Andi Amran Sulaiman, who purchased the SwitBio product. “This is the cleverness of students today, being able to offer new ideas that are useful for the community,” said Minister Amran.
Not only is it in demand in academic circles, SwitBio has also been used by local farmers and implemented in Adiwiyata Schools as an environmental education tool. To strengthen business development, the team has also registered a patent for this product as a form of innovation protection.
“Through SwitBio, we want to present solutions that are beneficial for farmers while opening up business opportunities based on innovation,” concluded Fasya.
Going forward, the SwitBio team is committed to expanding market reach and increasing production capacity, making SwitBio a true symbol of IPB University students’ contribution to sustainable agriculture in Indonesia. (dr) (IAAS/KMR)
