Feels Like Playing, IPB University Lecturers Invite Sinar Indonesia Kindergarten Students to Grow Crops with Hydrogel
The IPB University Vocational School team introduced agriculture to the students of Sinar Indonesia Inclusive School by teaching them how to grow crops using hydrogel.
This activity is part of the implementation of the Research and Community Service Information Base (BIMA) Community Service program.
“Through this activity, we want to introduce a more modern, efficient, and environmentally friendly concept of agriculture. This training not only focuses on the technical aspects of farming, but also instills a spirit of food independence from an early age,” said team leader Dr Doni Sahat Tua Manalu.
He continued, “This is a tangible manifestation of IPB University’s commitment to supporting inclusive education and community empowerment so that they can contribute to national food security, which must begin with oneself, one’s family, community, and region, so that it can be aggregated nationally to achieve national food security.”
The Principal of Sinar Indonesia Kindergarten, Dian Nur Oktaviani R, SPd, who is fondly known as Miss Okta, expressed her happiness and enthusiasm for the presence of the IPB University team.
“We are very happy and grateful that the team of lecturers from the IPB University Vocational School has come and made us partners in this year’s community service activities. From this activity, we learned that farming is not always synonymous with mud and rice fields, but can be done in modern ways that are clean and enjoyable,“ she said.
She revealed, ”We also understand more that food security actually starts with small steps at home and in the surrounding environment. If everyone contributes, then national food security will be formed in a sustainable manner.”
Henny Rusmiyati, SP, MSi, a lecturer at the Seed Industry Technology Study Program at IPB University’s Vocational School, hopes that this activity can foster early awareness that farming is easy, interesting, and enjoyable. By introducing modern planting media such as hydrogel, children can learn to love nature and understand the importance of agriculture for the future of the nation, she said.
“We want to foster the spirit of young farmers as part of our efforts to realize Indonesia Emas 2045,” added Henny enthusiastically and cheerfully while interacting with the students.
In addition to teachers and lecturers, kindergarten students also seemed enthusiastic about participating in this activity. One of the students at Sinar Indonesia Kindergarten, Rafa, innocently said,
“I’m really happy to be able to plant by myself. It turns out that using hydrogel is fun, it’s not messy, and the plants can grow too. I will take care of it so that it grows big quickly!” said Rafa with a proud smile. (*/Rz) (IAAS/LAN)
