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This initiative is a synergy between higher education institutions, local government, and the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI/Babinsa) to reinforce community food security through the application of environmentally friendly and sustainable agricultural cultivation technologies.

The program, led by Dr. Ir. Eri Mustari, M.P., a lecturer at the School of Life Sciences and Technology (SITH) ITB from the Plant Science and Biotechnology Research Group, aims to enhance the capacity and skills of TNI/Babinsa members in fruit and vegetable cultivation. Through this training, participants are expected to become facilitators and community companions in optimizing home gardens, orchards, and unused land for sustainable food production.

“We want Babinsa not only to serve as territorial security officers, but also as drivers of community food self-sufficiency. Through this training, they can assist communities in making productive use of their home gardens, orchards, and idle land to grow fruits and vegetables,” said Dr. Eri Mustari.

He added that food self-sufficiency means not only producing one’s own food, but also building awareness of the importance of diversification and sustainability. “Food self-sufficiency must begin at the village and household levels. When communities can meet their own food needs, national food security will become stronger,” he noted.

In addition to strengthening household-level food independence, the program also emphasizes the importance of diversifying local food sources to reinforce regional food security. In accordance with Law Number 18 of 2012 on Food, food security includes four key pillars: availability, access, utilization, and stability.

The activity also received full support from the Head of the Haurngombong Educational Farm, Dr. Taufikurahman, who highlighted the importance of the university’s role in strengthening community capacity.

“An educational farm is not only a research site, but also a shared learning space for academics and the community. We want research outcomes and campus technologies to be genuinely felt at the grassroots level,” he explained.

The training, held at the Haurngombong Educational Farm of SITH ITB under the coordination of Dr. Taufikurahman, was attended by more than 60 participants. This included 35 TNI members from Kodim 0610/Sumedang, coordinated by Captain Inf. Agus Hermawan as the Commander of Koramil 1004/Tanjungsari, and Serma Tatang from Bati Wanwil Kodim 0610/Sumedang. The activity also involved lecturers, teaching assistants, students, and farm staff.

Several speakers from various Expertise Groups at SITH ITB delivered material, including:

• Dr. Ir. Eri Mustari, M.P. on Food Self-Sufficiency and Fruit Crop Cultivation Technology
• Prof. Dr. Rizkita Rachmi Esyanti on the Principles and Application of Drip Irrigation Systems for Lemon Plants
• Dr. Indrawan Cahyo Adilaksono, S.TP., M.Agr. on Drip Irrigation Systems for Shallot and Garlic Cultivation
• Ujang Dinar H., S.P., M.P. on Techniques for Propagation and Maintenance of Fruit Plants

Prof. Dr. Rizkita Rachmi Esyanti explained the working principles and application of drip irrigation systems in lemon cultivation. “Drip irrigation is a simple yet efficient technology. With this system, farmers can save water while ensuring plants receive a stable and evenly distributed water supply,” she stated.

Meanwhile, Dr. Indrawan Cahyo Adilaksono, S.TP., M.Agr. discussed the application of similar systems in shallot and garlic cultivation. “Drip irrigation systems can be applied to various horticultural crops. The challenge lies in adapting the technology to local land conditions,” he said.

Ujang Dinar H., S.P., M.P. delivered material on fruit plant propagation and maintenance. “Through grafting and budding techniques, participants can rapidly propagate superior plant varieties without long waiting periods. This is crucial for accelerating household-level fruit production,” he explained during the field practice session.

The field practice session was supported by Dr. Tati Kristianti, Tetep Ginanjar, S.P., M.Sos., and several ITB students, including Rizkia Putra Febriansyah, Bryan Syafiq Nugraha, Muhammad Fathoni Sofyan, Michael Christopher, and Kemas Abiyusuf Zaidan.

The program received strong appreciation from Lt. Col. Inf. Suryanto, S.A.P., Deputy Territorial Assistant of Kodam III/Siliwangi. In his remarks, he stated that this activity provided new knowledge and insights for TNI/Babinsa members in fruit and vegetable cultivation, including techniques for propagating durian, mango, and avocado plants.

“We hope activities like this can continue, as they have a significant impact on strengthening food security in Sumedang Regency, West Java, and at the national level,” he said.

Through this initiative, ITB reaffirms its commitment to supporting national food security through science- and technology-based approaches. “Universities have a strategic role in bridging knowledge with real-world practice in the community,” said Dr. Eri Mustari in closing the training session. “We believe that when academics, authorities, and communities move together, food self-sufficiency will no longer be just a discourse, but a tangible movement.”

Reporter: Nattaya Putri Syailendra (Forestry Engineering Student, Class of 2022)