Application of Appropriate Technology in the Utilization of Repu Sago Pulp to Improve the Livelihood of the Lalang Berkah Farmers Group in Tanjung Village, Meranti Islands Regency, Riau Province

Penerapan Teknologi Tepat Guna Dalam Pemanfaatan Ampas Sagu Repu Untuk Meningkatkan (Livelihood) Kelompok Tani Lalang Berkah di Desa Tanjung Kabupaten Kepulauan Meranti Provinsi Riau

Abstract

The community service activity was carried out in Tanjung Village, Tebing Tinggi Barat District, Kepulauan Meranti Regency. Most of the village residents work as sago farmers. Based on the survey results, there are approximately 18 sago mills that produce large amounts of waste in the form of sago pulp. So far, this sago pulp has not been optimally utilized and has the potential to cause environmental pollution if not properly managed. On the other hand, Tanjung Village has the Lalang Berkah Farmers Group, which focuses on horticultural crop cultivation. However, the group faces challenges such as difficulty in obtaining fertilizers and limited knowledge and skills in processing sago pulp waste into useful products. Based on these conditions, the Lalang Berkah Farmers Group requires training on the techniques of making bokashi fertilizer using sago pulp as the main ingredient. The purpose of this training activity is to improve the community’s knowledge and skills in processing sago pulp waste into useful organic bokashi fertilizer. The community service program was conducted over six months, starting from the preparation stage by the service team at the partner’s location to the implementation of monitoring, evaluation, and publication of the activity results as the final output. The implementation methods included lectures for material delivery and direct demonstrations as practical sessions for bokashi production. The results of the activity showed an increase in participants’ knowledge and skills in utilizing sago pulp into bokashi fertilizer, as well as in managing bokashi production sustainably.