Sinergi Bakteri untuk Meningkatkan Pertumbuhan dan Produksi Tebu | Indonesia Raya Jelajah Sains

Summary

This episode of *Indonesia Raya* showcases an innovative solution to improve Indonesia's sugarcane industry. It highlights the development of 'basis crop,' an organic fertilizer made from sugarcane production waste (blotong), which helps restore soil fertility and boosts productivity. Researchers and startups in East Java are collaborating to combat challenges like declining soil health and the heavy reliance on chemical fertilizers. With proven success in various crops, this initiative promises a more sustainable future for Indonesian agriculture, improving farmers' livelihoods while reducing costs and environmental impact.

Takeaways

• 😀 The use of organic fertilizers made from molasses (blotong) waste from sugar production is being explored to improve soil fertility, especially for sugarcane farming in Indonesia.
• 😀 Researchers, such as Triono Bambang Irawan, are studying the impact of these organic fertilizers on enhancing crop productivity and soil health.
• 😀 The main goal of the project is to reduce dependence on synthetic fertilizers and create more sustainable agricultural practices for Indonesia's sugar industry.
• 😀 The use of blotong as an organic fertilizer has shown positive results in various crops, including sugarcane, rice, corn, and horticultural plants like onions, chilies, and tomatoes.
• 😀 Brin (the National Research and Innovation Agency) supports research-based startups by providing funding, technical assistance, and non-technical support like management coaching.
• 😀 The sugar industry faces challenges such as declining land fertility and the conversion of agricultural land into industrial or residential areas.
• 😀 The productivity of sugarcane has been stagnating due to poor soil conditions, but the use of blotong-based fertilizers aims to address this problem by improving soil health and increasing yields.
• 😀 The Jatiroto sugar mill in East Java produces a significant amount of blotong waste, which can be utilized as organic fertilizer for agricultural use.
• 😀 The potential benefits of blotong-based fertilizers include reducing the use of chemical fertilizers, lowering production costs, and improving farmers' livelihoods by increasing crop yields.
• 😀 There is a concerted effort to innovate and create more efficient ways to decompose blotong, reducing the time it takes for it to become a usable fertilizer, which could make it more appealing to farmers.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the program featured in the script?

The main focus of the program is to explore a research-based startup in Jember, East Java, which develops organic fertilizers made from bagasse, a byproduct of sugarcane production, aimed at improving soil fertility, especially for sugarcane farming.

Why is bagasse used as an organic fertilizer?

Bagasse is rich in essential nutrients like carbon, phosphorus, nitrogen, and potassium, making it a highly beneficial organic fertilizer that helps in soil enrichment and improves the growth and productivity of plants, particularly sugarcane.

What challenges are facing the sugarcane industry in Indonesia?

The sugarcane industry faces challenges such as declining soil fertility, limited land for expansion, and frequent pest issues, all of which contribute to reduced sugarcane yields and overall productivity.

What role do researchers from Politeknik Negeri Jember play in this initiative?

Researchers from Politeknik Negeri Jember, led by Triono Bambang Irawan, are conducting studies to find solutions to the challenges faced by the sugarcane industry, including the decline in soil fertility. They have developed a technology package to address these issues.

How does the BRIN (National Research and Innovation Agency) support this initiative?

BRIN supports this initiative by providing funding and technical assistance to research-based startups. They also offer expert guidance and non-technical support to help these startups scale their products, including those aimed at improving agricultural productivity.

What are the expected benefits of using organic fertilizers made from bagasse?

The use of organic fertilizers made from bagasse is expected to enhance soil fertility, reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers, increase crop yields, and improve the overall sustainability of farming practices.

What is the significance of sugarcane in Indonesia’s agricultural economy?

Sugarcane is a crucial crop for Indonesia, serving as the primary raw material for sugar production, bioethanol, and other byproducts. Its cultivation plays a key role in the country’s agricultural economy, making it essential for food production and industrial use.

What are the economic impacts of using bagasse-based fertilizers for sugarcane farmers?

Using bagasse-based fertilizers can help sugarcane farmers reduce the costs of purchasing chemical fertilizers by up to 50-70%, while also improving crop yields and soil health, thus leading to increased productivity and better economic returns.

How does the process of making bagasse-based fertilizer work?

The process involves applying decomposers to bagasse and fermenting it for 18-21 days, which turns it into an organic fertilizer that can be applied to the soil to improve its nutrient content and support plant growth.

What are some of the other crops that benefit from the use of bagasse-based fertilizers?

In addition to sugarcane, bagasse-based fertilizers have been successfully applied to various other crops, including rice, corn, and horticultural crops like onions, chili, and tomatoes, showing significant improvements in their growth and yield.