The UGM Community Service Program (KKN-PPM UGM) Ka’anek Enggano team, in collaboration with the KKN team from the University of Bengkulu, introduced innovations in waste utilization to produce agricultural products such as eco-enzyme and organic liquid fertilizer (POC) made from snails and slugs.
This initiative aims to improve agricultural productivity by reducing dependence on costly chemical fertilizers while preserving the environment on Enggano Island, Bengkulu Province.
Team coordinator Imam Hadi Kusuma explained that Enggano Island has promising natural resources, particularly in the fisheries and agriculture sectors, with leading commodities.
However, the region faces challenges such as pest attacks, waste management issues, and limited transportation access, which often result in wasted harvests.
These conditions have driven the team to maximize the use of local resources.
Recognizing the island’s local potential, Kusuma said that extension activities and practical training on eco-enzyme and POC production were held in all villages across the Enggano District, North Bengkulu Regency, Bengkulu Province, from Jul. 21 to Aug. 5, 2025.
The training involved residents in utilizing readily available agricultural and household waste, such as banana peels, banana trunks, jengkol shells, onion skins, and snail or slug pests.
“These processed materials produce eco-enzyme-based biopesticides, natural disinfectants, natural fertilizers, and POC, addressing pest problems while providing an affordable, easy-to-make, and sustainable alternative for agricultural inputs,” he said on Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025.
With a variety of activities, the socialization and practice of producing eco-enzyme and POC received positive support from the general public, farmer groups, and village officials in the six villages where the program was conducted.
This support was evident from active participation throughout the activities and statements from most farmer group members, who found the training highly beneficial, particularly in reducing agricultural production costs.
“Likewise, the village officials welcomed the program as an effort to enhance sustainable agricultural practices and raise community awareness about the importance of waste management,” he concluded.
Author: Alena
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Lintang Andwyna
Photographs: Ka’anek Enggano Team