SEMARANG – Politeknik Negeri Semarang (POLINES) Team carried out Community Service activities by bringing renewable energy-based innovations that directly support sustainable agriculture and improve the quality of life of the community. Through the INOVOKASI Appropriate Technology Application Program (PPTTG) scheme, this team successfully implemented solar cell technology to increase agricultural productivity in the Sragen Farmer Group.
This multidisciplinary team is led by Dr. Dwiana Hendrawati, ST, MT, together with Dr. Ir. They also involved students from the Energy Generation Engineering Technology, Computer Engineering Technology, and Accounting Computerization study programs, in order to support the concept of Independent Learning Independent Campus (MBKM).
This collaboration was realized with the support of the Kedaireka platform and funding from the Directorate of Academic Higher Vocational Education (DAPTV) of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology in 2024.
This program focuses on the application of technological innovation to solve problems faced by farmers, especially in maintaining the continuity of irrigation in the hydroponic melon cultivation system (Sumber Tani group) and catfish breeding with the biofloc system (Amanah Fisheries Group).
The technology implemented by the POLINES team is a solar power generator used to operate a water pump (Solar Powered Water Pump/PATS). This water pump functions to maintain continuous water circulation, so that melon plants in the hydroponic system can receive a consistent supply of nutrients.
On the other hand, the operation of the water pump also supports the biofloc system used for catfish breeding, maintaining optimal water quality and pond environment.
The use of solar cells offers an environmentally friendly and economical solution for farmers. By using renewable energy from the sun, dependence on conventional electricity can be reduced, saving operational costs and reducing carbon footprints. This is in line with the vision of sustainable agriculture that emphasizes resource efficiency and environmental sustainability.
"By implementing this technology, we hope to help hydroponic melon and biofloc catfish farmers in Sragen to increase their productivity, while encouraging the use of environmentally friendly technology," said team leader Dr. Dwiana Hendrawati, ST, MT.
With this innovation, the Sragen Farmers Group is expected to continue to improve their agricultural output, both in quality and quantity. Moreover, the application of renewable energy in the agricultural sector also provides a real example of how technology can be integrated into everyday life to create more efficient and sustainable agriculture.
The program implemented by POLINES not only provides technological solutions, but also empowers farming communities to be more independent and adapt to current technological developments.
This is a step forward that is expected to be adopted by other farmer groups in Indonesia, especially in facing the challenges of climate and increasing energy needs. (BIZ/rit)
Source: jatengpos.co.id