Each year, the world generates over 2 billion tons of waste, with agricultural waste accounting for a significant portion of this staggering figure. In Indonesia alone, millions of tons of organic waste are discarded after harvest, often burned or left to decompose, contributing to environmental pollution. Repurposing this waste into valuable resources, such as biochar, offers a sustainable solution to this growing problem. By turning organic waste into biochar, not only can we reduce the environmental impact, but we can also enhance soil fertility and boost agricultural productivity, creating a win-win scenario for both the environment and local communities.
On July 25, 2024, a knowledge-sharing event took place in Desa Ngerong, Kecamatan Gempol, Kabupaten Pasuruan, Indonesia. This event, titled “Biochar Between Two Nations,” was a collaborative effort between Universitas Airlangga, Indonesia, and Universiti Malaya, Malaysia. Organized by the Faculty of Advanced and Multidisciplinary Technology at Universitas Airlangga in collaboration with the Faculty of Science at Universiti Malaya, the program aimed to transfer critical knowledge about biochar to the local farming community.
The session was led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rosazlin Abdullah from Universiti Malaya, an expert in biochar with extensive research experience in the field. Accompanied by Prof. Ling Tau Chuan, the team from Malaysia sought to introduce the benefits and techniques of biochar production to over 30 participants, primarily hydroponic farmers from Desa Ngerong.
Biochar, a carbon-rich product derived from organic waste through pyrolysis, has shown great potential in improving soil fertility, increasing agricultural productivity, and addressing climate change. The workshop focused on educating participants about the importance of biochar, its production methods, and its positive impact on agriculture and the environment. The local farmers, many of whom were unfamiliar with biochar, expressed excitement and eagerness to implement the new techniques they learned.
Rahmat Santoso, a third-year Industrial Engineering student at Universitas Airlangga, who participated in the program said, “This program opened my eyes to the potential of biochar in reducing environmental pollution. Learning that the common practice of burning fields after the planting season can actually improve soil quality was a revelation.”
The participants were particularly intrigued by the 5 roles of biochar—its role as a preservative, absorber, moisture retainer, storage medium, and habitat. This concept, presented in a clear and understandable manner, helped the farmers grasp the practical benefits of biochar. Moreover, the realization that all organic biomass waste from agricultural activities could be converted into biochar was a game-changer for the local community, enabling them to produce valuable organic materials independently.
Firman Hidayat, one of the local participant from Desa Ngerong, was really grateful with the sharing of this new agricultural knowledge. “The idea that we can turn our agricultural waste into something valuable like biochar is inspiring. I hope this collaboration with the universities will continue and expand, particularly in developing our local agricultural products.”
This community service initiative not only facilitated the exchange of knowledge between the two universities but also laid the groundwork for future collaborations. The local farmers are now equipped with the knowledge to enhance their agricultural practices, potentially leading to the development of value-added products and expanded markets.
The main objective of the program is empowerment of the local farmers, said Dr. Rosazlin Abdullah. “Our objective with this program was to empower the local farmers with practical knowledge about biochar. By understanding its benefits and learning how to produce it, they can significantly enhance their agricultural practices while also contributing to environmental sustainability,” she said.
Such international partnerships are crucial in promoting sustainable agricultural practices and addressing global challenges like food security and climate change. The success of this program highlights the importance of continued collaboration between academic institutions across borders, with the hope that more such initiatives will follow.
…
For more information about this program, please contact Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rosazlin Abdullah at rosazlin@um.edu.my
Leave a comment