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A community service team from the Faculty of Agriculture UGM (Faperta UGM), led by Dr. Alia Bihrajihant Raya, S.P., M.P., Ph.D., and joined by interdisciplinary faculty members—Prof. Subejo, S.P., M.Sc., Ph.D., Dr. Desi Utami, S.P., M.Env.Sc., Ph.D., Dody Kastono, S.P., M.P., Angga Prasetya, S.P., M.Sc.—along with undergraduate and graduate students, developed an innovative training program to improve soil fertility management using the Lentera DESA digital platform.
Lentera DESA is designed as an innovative educational platform offering training and discussion features to facilitate the dissemination of agricultural knowledge. Using a blended learning method that combines online and in-person meetings, this program aims to enhance the capacity of farmers and agricultural extension officers in understanding soil fertility management.
“Education and training on soil fertility management can now be conducted both online and directly in the field. With the advancement of digital platforms, sharing agricultural information has become more accessible,” said Dr. Alia Bihrajihant Raya, commonly known as Raya.
The training includes the use of the Rice Field Soil Test Kit (PUTS) to analyze soil nutrients and making homemade organic fertilizers. The program targets institutions such as the Agricultural Training Center (BAPELTAN) of Central Java, farmer groups, women’s farming groups (KWT), and extension officers. Activities began with socialization, focus group discussions (FGDs), digital literacy training, and on-site assistance.
Results showed that most participants, including traditional farmers, adapted well to the blended learning model. This approach opened up collaboration opportunities between digital technology and traditional practices, positioning Lentera DESA as a strategic solution for promoting sustainable agriculture. It also reflects the Faculty of Agriculture UGM’s commitment to supporting the SDGs, particularly SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, SDG 15: Life on Land, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
Writer: Agrit Kirana Bunda
Editor: Desi Utami
Documentation: Community Service Team