Enhancing the Capacity of Farmers in Tegal, IPB University Provides Avocado Nursery Techniques
The Directorate of Agromaritime Community Development (DPMA) of IPB University held an Avocado Nursery Technique Training in Tegal Regency, Central Java (11/13).
This activity is part of the capacity building program for farmers in the Astra Prosperous Village program, a collaboration between IPB University and PT Astra International Tbk.
The training was held in response to farmers’ need to learn proper and correct avocado propagation techniques. Many farmers still face challenges in selecting rootstocks, grafting techniques, and seedling care.
Muhammad Syukur, the program coordinator, said that his team strives to facilitate the transfer of applicable technical knowledge, in line with IPB University’s mandate to strengthen the competence of the agromaritime community.
“The IPB University Plantation and Horticulture Research Institute (DPMA IPB) consistently promotes the enhancement of farmers’ capabilities through scientific, educational, and collaborative approaches. This training is expected to equip our supported farmers with the right skills, enabling them to develop their seedling businesses independently and sustainably,” he said.
He added that this training also strengthens the collaborative network between farmers, academics, and practitioners. Syukur hopes that this activity will yield long-term benefits, including increased technical capacity for farmers, the formation of village-based nursery groups, and the emergence of new entrepreneurial opportunities in the horticulture sector.
Avocado nursery practitioner Sigit Pramono was present to share his experience in developing grafting techniques and avocado nursery businesses. He explained that successful nurseries depend not only on technique, but also on an understanding of plant physiology and the quality of planting materials.
“Farmers must understand the characteristics of rootstocks, select superior scions, and perform grafting using the right techniques. With proper practices, the resulting seedlings will have high productivity and better market value,” explained Sigit.
Participants received basic material on variety selection, planting media preparation, grafting techniques, and pest and disease control in the seedling phase. They were also involved in hands-on grafting practice with full guidance from resource persons.
A total of 20–25 farmers from villages assisted by IPB University enthusiastically participated in the entire series. They also took part in discussion and question-and-answer sessions and shared their experiences, identifying problems in order to formulate strategies for implementing the training results in their respective villages.
“We hope that the results of this training will not only stop at knowledge transfer, but will actually be applied in the management of avocado commodities at the village level. Through the collaboration established, farmers can develop productive nursery businesses that contribute to local economic growth,” concluded Sigit as he closed the training session. (*/Rz)(IAAS/RWA)
