Raya Village Farmers Now Skilled in Managing Pesticide Packaging Waste
IPB University has once again implemented its Dosen Pulang Kampung (Dospulkam) program as a form of community service. In Raya Village, Berastagi District, North Sumatra, the Dospulkam team, led by Prof Manuntun Parulian Hutagaol, equipped local farmers with practical knowledge on how to manage waste from used pesticide packaging.
Through the training sessions, participants gained insights into the collection, washing, and disposal of pesticide containers in accordance with environmental safety and health standards.
“Used pesticide packaging often becomes an environmental issue in agricultural areas. Managing pesticide packaging waste is not an option, but an obligation to ensure environmental stewardship,” said Prof Manuntun Parulian Hutagaol.
“We want to ensure that farmers understand the risks of pesticide waste and are capable of managing it correctly. We hope these practices will be applied routinely so that agriculture in Raya Village continues to progress while the environment remains protected,” added Dr Beata Ratnawati, a member of the team.
The event was attended by industry representatives from Bayer Indonesia and Croplife, village government officials, and students. Dr Dahri Tanjung and Dr Yeti Lis Purnamadewi, who were also present as speakers, explained the significant socio-economic impacts of packaging waste management on the community.
Agung Kurniawan, representing Croplife Indonesia, added, “The management of pesticide packaging waste is part of our collective responsibility. As an industry, we are ready to support farmers through education.”
Meanwhile, the Secretary of Raya Village expressed his appreciation for the initiative. “We are grateful to IPB and all parties involved. This training is very beneficial, especially since Raya Village is an agricultural hub that must maintain environmental quality for the sake of sustainability.”
This program is expected to be a concrete step toward reducing environmental pollution and increasing farmer awareness in implementing eco-friendly agricultural practices. (*/Rz) (IAAS/FMT)
