Research, Service and Collaboration

December 10, 2024 - In an effort to support sustainable food security, the Rector's Team of Muhammadiyah University Malang (UMM) visited the organic rice center in Lombok Kulon Village, Wonosari District, Bondowoso Regency. This visit was led by the Vice Rector IV UMM, Muhamad Salis, who was in charge of research, community service, and cooperation. Also present were the Head of the Bondowoso Agricultural Office and the Head of Wonosari to accompany the group.

"This visit is a form of friendship as well as an opportunity to learn about the potential of sustainable food security in Bondowoso, which is in line with the government program related to national food security," said Salis.

In the visit, the UMM team not only observed, but also offered solutions to the challenges faced in organic rice and rice processing centers. One of the identified issues is a technical problem in rice processing machines.

"The production here is already high, but there are still problems with the machine. We will study whether the machine can be repaired or needs to be replaced with a new one," explained Salis.

In addition, Salis underlined the importance of renewable energy innovation in the agricultural sector. He noted that the location of this organic rice center has great potential to utilize solar energy, considering the consistent exposure to sunlight throughout the year.

"The energy from rice husks, for example, can be processed into an energy source through the installation of solar panels. This will be much more useful than just burning chaff," he added.

Not only that, Salis also noted the potential for microhydro development for lighting in rice fields. With a stable water discharge throughout the year, microhydro can be an alternative power source without relying on PLN.

Towards the National Pilot Project

Through in-depth studies conducted during the visit, Salis is optimistic that the organic rice center and organic rice processing in Lombok Kulon Village can be a pilot project at the national level.

"We want the potential here to be raised to the national level. When other regions want to learn about sustainable food security, especially in terms of agriculture and organic rice processing, they must come to Bondowoso," said Salis with hope.

The Chairman of the Joint Farmers Group (Gapoktan) Al-Barokah, Mulyono, positively welcomed the visit of the UMM team. He hopes that this collaboration can encourage further development of organic rice farming businesses in the region.

Mulyono explained that currently the managed organic farmland is 105 hectares, with a plan to convert an additional 40 hectares in 2025. However, the process towards organic agriculture takes a long time

"To switch from conventional to organic agriculture, it takes between 1 to 3 years. In addition, the land must also go through a certification process to be recognized as organic agriculture," he explained.

Saat ini, Gapoktan Al-Barokah memproduksi sekitar 30 ton beras organik per bulan, jauh di bawah permintaan pasar yang mencapai 24 ton per minggu. Beragam jenis beras organik yang diproduksi meliputi beras merah, beras hitam, beras cokelat, serta dua jenis beras putih, yaitu aromatik dan non-aromatik.

Mulyono berharap, dengan kolaborasi bersama UMM, kapasitas produksi dan luasan lahan organik dapat terus berkembang untuk memenuhi kebutuhan pasar sekaligus meningkatkan pendapatan petani.

Currently, Gapoktan Al-Barokah produces around 30 tons of organic rice per month, far below market demand which reaches 24 tons per week. Various types of organic rice that are produced include brown rice, black rice, brown rice, and two types of white rice, namely aromatic and non-aromatic. Mulyono hopes, with collaboration with UMM, production capacity and organic land area can continue to grow to meet market needs as well as increase farmers' income.

Realizing Food Security and Sustainable Energy

This visit marks a strategic step in the development of sustainable food security based on organic agriculture. With great potential in Lombok Kulon Village, collaboration between the academic world, local government, and farmer groups is expected to be able to create sustainable innovation that not only benefits the local community, but also gives a positive impact at the national level.

"Bondowoso has great potential as a pilot of sustainable food and energy security. With the support of all parties, we can together realize the ideals of an independent and competitive Indonesia," concluded Salis. (red/dik)