UNS – Research Groups (RG) from Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta have collaborated on a community service initiative in Nusukan Village, Banjarsari District, Surakarta City. The program partnered with the Women Farmer Group (Kelompok Wanita Tani, or KWT) Surya Alam of RW 14, located on Jalan Majapahit I, Nayu Barat RT 08/RW 14.

This Community Service Program (PKM), supported by a grant from the Directorate of Research, Technology, and Community Service (DRTPM) for the 2024 Fiscal Year, focuses on optimizing household yards. The initiative aims to develop a sustainable food area within the Nusukan community.

Three research groups were involved in the project: the RG for Indigenous Psychology from the Faculty of Psychology (Fapsi), led by Dr. Tri Rejeki Andayani, S.Psi., M.Si.; the RG for Agricultural Communication from the Faculty of Agriculture (FP), headed by Dr. Dwiningtyas Padmaningrum, S.P., M.Si.; and the RG for Economics and Rural Development, also from FP, led by Dr. Umi Barokah, S.P., M.P.

“PKM partnered with KWT Surya Alam RW 14, located on Jalan Majapahit I, Nayu Barat RT 08/RW 14, Nusukan, Banjarsari, Surakarta. Funding was provided by DRTPM for the 2024 Fiscal Year,” Dr. Tri Rejeki Andayani explained on Thursday (12/12/2024).

The program included several activities, such as socialization sessions, training, and hands-on planting practices. It also involved Kans.id and UNS students participating in the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) initiative. The program ran from August to October 2024.

Members of KWT Surya Alam had the opportunity to learn more about various types of plant seeds. Following this, the UNS team conducted hands-on planting sessions in household yards. The participants showed great enthusiasm during these activities, which began with planting seeds to grow into new seedlings.

They also experimented with planting ready-to-grow seeds that were provided. The UNS team introduced the characteristics of each type of seedling. The planting medium used was soil placed in small polybags. Seedlings with longer growth periods were then transferred to larger pots. Participants also learned proper techniques for caring for these plants.

Seedlings were arranged on multi-tiered racks to optimize yard space utilization. Additionally, UNS and KWT Surya Alam collaborated on replanting efforts to rejuvenate crops by replacing old, harvested plants with new seedlings.

At the program’s conclusion, activities were monitored and evaluated by internal reviewer Dr. Edi Kurniadi, M.Pd., and external reviewer Dr. Sunardi, S.Si., M.Si. The results demonstrated excellent outcomes, with healthy, thriving, and fruitful plants. KWT members highlighted the program’s significant benefits, such as improved access to plant-based nutrition and stronger community bonds fostered by shared activities.

This initiative supports UNS in achieving four Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Zero Hunger (SDG 2), Good Health and Well-Being (SDG 3), and Life on Land (SDG 15). Humas UNS