Indonesian university develops integrated agro-ecotourism village

A team of lecturers from the Faculty of Agriculture at Universitas Lambung Mangkurat (ULM) is implementing a community service program to develop an integrated agro-ecotourism area in Tirta Jaya Village, Tanah Laut Regency, South Kalimantan. This initiative seeks to foster a sustainable village model centered on integrated farming concepts.

The program, led by Anis Wahdi and fellow lecturers Fakhrur Razie and Lyswiana Aphrodyanti, recognizes the significant potential within Tirta Jaya Village. The village already boasts diverse agricultural activities, including oil palm plantations, food crops, horticulture, cattle farming, mushroom cultivation, and a seedling nursery. The project aims to transform these existing units into not just production zones but also open learning spaces for the wider community.

The primary partner in this endeavor is the Youth Empowerment Center (SPP) of Tirta Jaya Village. The ULM team is providing intensive guidance to the youth group, equipping them to manage the village's agricultural resources effectively, thereby creating an agro-ecotourism experience that is both educational and economically beneficial. Anis Wahdi explained that the agro-tourism managers are receiving comprehensive technical education and assistance covering all stages of crop cultivation, pest management, and harvesting.

Beyond human resource development, the ULM team is also providing crucial support for agricultural production facilities. This includes supplying seeds, fertilizers, improving the seedling nursery, and enhancing irrigation systems. The seedling nursery, in particular, is being reinforced due to its vital role in the agro-ecotourism system, serving as both a source for the area's planting needs and a key educational point for visitors.

Each component of the agro-ecotourism area is being developed with an integrated educational function. For instance, the nursery will demonstrate the process of plant propagation, the horticultural gardens will showcase cultivation techniques, and the livestock area will highlight the symbiotic relationship between crops and animals in an integrated farming system. Wahdi envisions the area evolving into a village-level agricultural learning laboratory, enabling visitors to understand the interconnectedness of plants, livestock, and the environment.