UNS — The Food Crops and Plantation Research Group from the Agrotechnology Study Program of the Faculty of Agriculture (FP) at Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta has developed innovative pot cultivation methods for rice and various legumes. This initiative is carried out in collaboration with the Ngudi Makmur Farmers Group in Bakaran Hamlet, Sukosari Village, Jumantono District, Karanganyar. The project aligns with the 11th Sustainable Development Goal (SDG), which focuses on creating inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities and communities.

The project, which ran from April to July 2024, was led by Prof. Dr. Ir. Supriyono, M.S., with team members Prof. Dr. Ir. Maria Theresia Sri Budiastuti, M.Si., and Aprilia Ike Nurmalasari, S.P., M.Sc. The main objective was to enhance the skills of local farmers, particularly in cultivating rice and legumes in pots.

The research team conducted workshops on pot cultivation techniques for rice and various legumes. Prof. Supriyono highlighted that the rapid conversion of agricultural land into residential areas has significantly reduced the amount of available farmland.

“This situation encourages the use of limited land for agricultural cultivation using pots. Pot cultivation of rice can initiate the gogo rancah system, a method where rice plants grow without being submerged in water,” he explained.

Given the dry nature of the project site, the team focused on cultivating gogo rice, a variety suited for non-flooded conditions, and peanuts, a legume well-adapted to the region and preferred by local farmers. Typically, rice requires high water levels and is grown in “macak-macak” conditions, where the soil is saturated but not flooded. However, with pot cultivation, both rice and legumes can thrive using porous growing media.

On Monday (15/7/2024), the project continued with a hands-on workshop on preparing porous planting media and planting rice and legumes in pots. The team used a combination of soil and manure in different ratios (1:1, 2:1, and 3:1) for the growing media. Additionally, they added 80g of manure per pot along with synthetic fertilizers (0,8g of urea, 0,4g of TSP, and 0,2g of KCl per pot) according to recommended dosages. Prof. Supriyono noted that weekly observations were conducted to monitor the progress of the cultivation process and the activities of the farmers’ group.

Members of the Ngudi Makmur Farmers Group warmly welcomed the initiative. One member, Sutarman, expressed his appreciation, stating that the project was highly beneficial as it provided new agricultural knowledge.

“Moreover, the skill of pot cultivation is crucial, especially during dry seasons when fields have to be left fallow. Growing plants around the house with water sourced from wells or household waste can be effectively utilized in this pot cultivation system,” Sutarman said.

HUMAS UNS

Editor: Dwi Hastuti