ULM Impact Campus: Students Embrace Organic Farming in Urban Environments
Banjarbaru — The expertise and commitment of Lambung Mangkurat University (ULM) students in sustainable agriculture are being demonstrated through community mentoring activities within the ULM Village Development Program. Students from various study programs assisted the Citra Lestari Women’s Farmers Group (KWT) at the Citra Persada Asri Complex, Banjarbaru, in practicing yard-based organic vegetable cultivation on Sunday (January 4, 2025).
This activity involved students from the ULM Agroecotechnology, Agronomy, Fisheries Socioeconomics, and Forestry Study Programs. They shared their knowledge and skills in home farming with an approach adapted to urban conditions, particularly limited land and the need for practical and economical methods.
ULM students utilized polybags and kitchen waste to teach the KWT women how to process simple ingredients into agricultural production facilities. Eggshells are ground into a growing medium, fruit and vegetable scraps are fermented into eco-enzymes, and onion and garlic skins are introduced as environmentally friendly botanical pesticides.
The Head of the ULM Village Development Team, Nazla, explained that the Citra Lestari KWT was chosen because of its active nature and the residential environment, which is suitable for developing household-scale agriculture.
“Polybags are a solution because residents’ land is limited. We also encourage the reuse of household waste for its usefulness as fertilizer and pest control,” she explained.
Technical assistance also involved Field Extension Officers (PPL) from the Banjarbaru City Agriculture Office, who provided guidance on cultivation techniques and the use of organic materials that are safe for plants. This synergy enriched the students’ learning experience while improving the quality of assistance provided to the community.
The accompanying lecturer, Ria Anita Pertiwi, assessed that urban organic farming is relevant in Banjarbaru, where household green space is increasingly limited.
“This method is relatively inexpensive, requires simple maintenance, and can be implemented long-term. Students learn directly to apply their knowledge, while residents gain practical solutions,” he said.
The participants’ enthusiasm was evident in the active involvement of KWT members in every stage of the practice. The head of KWT Citra Lestari, Norfahmi, said this activity broadened members’ knowledge and encouraged the use of home gardens to grow vegetables for daily consumption.
Going forward, the ULM Village Development student team will conduct further monitoring and mentoring, particularly regarding pest and disease control. This activity is expected to not only improve community skills but also provide a platform for ULM students to hone their interests, talents, and practical skills in sustainable agriculture and community service.
