Green Education, Babel State Polman Lecturer Trains Pemali 1 Public High School Students in Hydroponic Farming
Lecturers from the Polman Babel Precision Agriculture Study Program with students from SMA Negeri 1 Pemali during socialization activities and simple hydroponic training, after the participants attended theory and practical sessions, starting from preparing tools, sowing, to making hydroponic nutrients independently.
Lecturers from the Bangka Belitung State Polytechnic Manufacturing Precision Agriculture Study Program (Polman Babel) held socialization and simple hydroponic training activities for Pemali 1 State High School students, Wednesday (26/02/2025). This activity is part of the implementation of the Tridharma of Higher Education in community service.
A total of 30 students and several teachers at SMA Negeri 1 Pemali enthusiastically took part in the activities taking place in the school classrooms. The participants not only got the theory about hydroponics, but also directly practiced soil-free farming techniques that are efficient and environmentally friendly.
The lecturer team involved in this service consisted of Mahmudin, S.P., M.Sc., Dora Palupi, S.P., M.P., Helda Susianti, S.P., M.P., Yus Dwi Yanti, S.P., M.Si., Limartaida Siahaan, S.Agr., M.Sc., and Riski Meliya Ningsih, S.P., M.Si. This activity also involved two students, Geby and Darmawan Restu Sani, as training assistants.
"Mahmudin, S.P., M.Si., one of the lecturers present, said that socialization and training on hydroponics is an important step in introducing modern agricultural methods to high school students. Hydroponics is a farming technique that saves water, does not require large areas of land, and is very suitable for application in urban environments," he said when met on Thursday (27/02/2025).
He also commented that apart from the agricultural aspect, this socialization aims to increase students' awareness of environmental issues. With hydroponics, we can save up to 90% water compared to conventional farming. "This helps students understand the importance of resource efficiency and environmental sustainability," he added.
"It is hoped that this activity will foster students' interest in modern agriculture and inspire them to develop hydroponic cultivation at school and at home," he said.
Mahmudin expressed his gratitude because students who were previously unfamiliar with hydroponics now have a better understanding of this farming technique, because apart from theory sessions, hydroponics training also involves direct practice starting from preparing tools and materials, the seeding process, to making plant nutrition. "What's interesting is that students are not only taught how to use ready-made hydroponic nutrients, but are also given the skills to mix their own nutrients independently," he said.
Mahmudin hopes that in the future cooperation with schools and local communities can continue to be expanded so that more students and the public know and apply hydroponics. "Collaborations like this are very important to build awareness among the younger generation about the importance of sustainable agriculture," he said.
Meanwhile, the Principal of SMA Negeri 1 Pemali, Eflina, M.Pd., appreciated the service activities carried out by Polman Babel lecturers. "According to him, this training is very useful for students in gaining insight and new skills that can be applied in the school environment and at home," he said.
"We really support this activity and hope to continue collaborating with Polman Babel in other educational programs. With this training, students will get a learning experience that is more applicable and relevant to current developments," he concluded.
