Unismuh Agrotechnology Students Educate on Corn and Water Spinach Cultivation to Southern Thailand Students

UNISMUH.AC.ID, NARATHIWAT, SOUTHERN THAILAND — Students from the Agrotechnology Program at the Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Muhammadiyah (Unismuh) Makassar, Muh. Rusli Unding, introduced the cultivation of corn and water spinach to students at Samanmitwittaya School, Southern Thailand. Monday, June 15, 2026. The activity was part of the International Community Service Program Batch II, organized by LP3M Unismuh Makassar through the International Community Service scheme.

Through this activity, students were introduced to the importance of plants for human life and the environment, as well as encouraged to understand the role of agriculture in supporting food security. Education was conducted using an interactive approach that combined the delivery of material and practical training in the field.

The activity began with a session of introduction and material presentation on the function of plants for human life, their benefits for the environment, and the importance of maintaining ecosystem balance through sustainable cultivation practices.

Rusli then introduced two food commodities that would be planted together with the students: corn and water spinach. These two crops were chosen because they are easy to cultivate, have good nutritional value, and are closely related to the daily lives of the local community.

In addition to learning about the characteristics of the plants, the students also received an explanation of the economic and health benefits of these two commodities. They were introduced to basic cultivation techniques that can be easily applied at home or in the school environment.

After the theoretical session, the activity continued with a demonstration of planting techniques, starting from preparing the soil, making planting holes, placing seeds, and watering. The demonstration was conducted in person so that the students could better understand the cultivation stages and make them more applicable.

The students' enthusiasm was evident during the practical session. With the guidance of the students, they planted corn and water spinach seeds in the prepared soil. This experience provided the students with the opportunity to learn directly and strengthen their understanding of the material provided.

Firman Ruandi Zafitra, a student from the Faculty of Architecture, Unismuh Makassar, also participated in the activity. He helped prepare the tools and materials, assisted the students during the practical session, and supported the documentation of the activity. This collaboration between different academic programs reflected the spirit of multidisciplinary cooperation that is characteristic of the Unismuh Makassar International Community Service program.

Rusli said that the activity was a simple effort to introduce the world of agriculture to young people and to raise awareness about the importance of protecting the environment.

"We want the students to understand that plants have a very important role in human life. Through direct planting, the students not only gain knowledge, but also gain experience that can foster concern for the environment and food security in the future," he said.

Dr. Ir. Rosanna, M.P., Head of the Agrotechnology Program at Unismuh Makassar, praised the students' initiative in implementing scientific agricultural competencies in an international environment.

According to her, the activity showed that the students not only mastered the theory of plant cultivation in the classroom, but also could apply it through education to the community. This kind of experience is considered important for forming adaptive, innovative, and capable graduates who can contribute to sustainable agricultural development at the global level.

Similarly, Dr. Ir. Hj. Andi Khaeriyah, M.Pd., IPU, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Unismuh Makassar, expressed her appreciation for the students' contribution to the International Community Service Program Batch II.

She said that the activity not only benefited the students in Southern Thailand, but also enriched the students' experience in understanding educational practices and community service in a cross-cultural environment.

The International Community Service Program Batch II, managed by LP3M Unismuh Makassar, was attended by 30 students from various faculties. They were placed in schools and communities in Narathiwat, Pattani, and Yala provinces, Southern Thailand.

Through the educational and practical activities of planting corn and water spinach at Samanmitwittaya School, the students from the Agrotechnology Program at Unismuh Makassar demonstrated that agricultural science can be an effective means of promoting environmental awareness, strengthening practical education, and instilling values of sustainability in young people from an early age.