Rice Stem Borer Control, KKP 08 Unismuh Makassar Students Teach Farmers to Make Natural Pesticides

KKP Posko 08 Desa Libureng, September 21, 2026 – Students from the Professional Work Program (KKP) Posko 08, Faculty of Agriculture, Muhammadiyah University of Makassar, conducted a Seminar and Training on the Production of Botanical Pesticides on Monday (September 21, 2026) in the village of Ulo, Desa Libureng. This activity is one of the KKP program activities aimed at increasing farmers' knowledge in controlling stem-boring pests in rice crops through the use of botanical pesticides.

The selection of this theme is based on the condition of Desa Libureng, where the majority of the population cultivates rice. Stem-boring pests are one of the pests that frequently attack rice crops and have the potential to reduce crop yields. Therefore, the KKP students introduced botanical pesticides as one of the more environmentally friendly pest control alternatives that can be made using natural materials available in the surrounding community.

Through this training, the KKP students not only provided theoretical knowledge but also encouraged farmers to learn about pest control approaches that can be implemented more independently at the household and agricultural levels. The use of natural materials in the surrounding environment is expected to be part of the effort to diversify pest control methods, as well as increase public awareness of the importance of maintaining environmental balance in rice cultivation.

The activity began with the presentation of materials on stem-boring rice pests, their impact on crop productivity, as well as techniques for making and using botanical pesticides. Subsequently, participants participated in practical training on the production of botanical pesticides so that they could understand the stages of production and gain experience in applying them independently on their own agricultural land.

The enthusiasm of the participants was evident during the practical session. Farmers not only followed the production process but also actively discussed the conditions of pests that had been found in the rice fields. This interaction became a space for the exchange of knowledge between students and the community, so that the KKP activity did not stop at delivering materials, but developed into a learning process together based on experience and real-field conditions.

The Head of Dusun Ulo appreciated the activity.

"We thank the KKP Posko 08 students for this very beneficial training. We hope that the knowledge provided can be applied by farmers to control pests on rice crops so that crop yields can be even better and agriculture in Desa Libureng can be more environmentally friendly," he said.

For the KKP Posko 08 students, this activity is part of the effort to bring knowledge and agricultural innovation that can directly benefit the community. The presence of students in the midst of farmers also provides an opportunity to implement knowledge gained during their studies as well as understand various agricultural problems faced by the community.

Through this activity, the KKP Posko 08 students of Desa Libureng hope that the knowledge provided can be one of the alternatives for farmers in controlling stem-boring pests in rice crops as well as supporting the implementation of more sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural practices.

The activity also shows that the KKP program of the Faculty of Agriculture, Muhammadiyah University of Makassar is not only focused on implementing program activities but also directed to build collaboration between students and the community through the application of knowledge, innovation, and solutions that are appropriate to the needs in the field.

This training activity is related to the SDGs program, specifically SDG 2 - Zero Hunger, by helping farmers to achieve food security, good nutrition, and sustainable agriculture, as well as SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production, by using environmentally friendly materials as natural pesticides to eliminate plant pests and diseases.