UGM students have transformed eggshell waste into organic fertilizer named Gama Organic.
The product was created by Faris Ariwibowo (Animal Science 2022), Rakha Arya Cahya (Vocational College 2021), Amandira Dhirgandita (Engineering 2021), Aurelia Nadiya Prayudanti (Animal Science 2022), and Arini Roisatul Baroroh (Animal Science 2022).
They utilized the abundant eggshell waste in Yogyakarta to produce organic fertilizer for optimal plant growth.
Faris Ariwibowo explained the creation of Gama Organic stemmed from concerns about ineffective waste management in Yogyakarta.
One of the final disposal sites, Piyungan, had trouble handling incoming waste due to its overloading, reaching up to 700 tons daily.
As a result, starting from July 23, 2023, Piyungan Landfill stopped receiving waste services and is now open to limited deliveries, accepting 200 tons of waste daily.
The waste issue has led to pileups and unpleasant odors due to the mixture of inorganic and organic waste. Thus, there was a need for innovative organic waste management.
“One example of organic waste generated is eggshell waste from the poultry industry. According to data from Statistics Indonesia, in 2022, Yogyakarta produces 168,303.00 tons of eggs per year,” he said on Tuesday (October 10).
In light of this situation, these young students put their heads together to turn eggshell waste and other organic waste, such as lemongrass, banana peels, and onion skins, into something valuable and economically viable.
“These materials contain beneficial plant nutrients such as calcium, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, vitamin B1, and others,” Ariwibowo said.
Rakha Cahya added that Gama Organic has received positive community responses. When applied to ornamental and vegetable plants, it optimally enhances plant growth. This is due to the high-quality and natural ingredients of the organic fertilizer.
Gama Organic is available in two forms: spray bottles and regular 1-liter bottles priced at Rp35,000.00 each. The difference between these two forms lies in their concentration.
The regular bottle must be diluted for application, while the spray bottle can be directly sprayed onto plants.
“You can order this product on Instagram at pkmk.gamaorganic.ugm and on Shopee at https://shp.ee/mhcmeij,” Cahya explained.
He hopes this product can become a solution for organic waste management in Indonesia. Additionally, he hopes it can contribute to the country’s health and improve the quality of plants.
Author: Ika
Photo: The UGM Gama Organic Fertilizer