Bountiful Harvests in Limited Spaces: SITH ITB Trains Sukagalih Residents in Hydroponic Farming

By Aura Salsabila Alviona - Mahasiswa Bioteknologi, 2025

Editor M. Naufal Hafizh, S.S.

SUMEDANG, itb.ac.id – The Community Service Program (PPM) team from the School of Life Sciences and Technology (SITH) at the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) successfully conducted hydroponic training in Sukagalih Village, South Sumedang District, Sumedang Regency. Led by Dr. Alfi Rumidatul, this activity aimed to utilize limited land and increase household income through a hydroponic system.

The three-day program, which ran from August 21st to 23rd, was enthusiastically received by approximately 20 women belonging to the local Women Farmers Group (KWT). The background for this activity is the increasing scarcity of land in rural areas, making hydroponics an innovative solution to both fulfill food needs and generate new business opportunities.

The SITH ITB PPM team, consisting of Dr. Alfi Rumidatul as chair, along with Ir. Yeyet Setiawati and Dr. Anne Hadiyane as members, explained the various advantages of hydroponics. "Hydroponic practice does not require extensive land, making it more space-efficient. Additionally, plants can grow faster due to more efficient water and nutrient usage," explained Dr. Alfi. She also added that this system is effective in protecting plants from pests and diseases, resulting in healthier and higher-quality produce.

The training commenced in late July with a field survey and coordination with village officials and the KWT. The installation of hydroponic systems took place on August 21st, followed by training on hydroponic cultivation techniques, plant care, and the utilization of harvested produce on August 22nd. The plant types chosen for cultivation were lettuce, pakcoy, and water spinach, known for being easy to grow and having economic value.


Participant enthusiasm was high throughout the training. The Head of Sukagalih Village, Onih Noer Rosidah, expressed her appreciation for the activity.

“We are very grateful to SITH ITB for coming and sharing knowledge with our community. This hydroponic program is extremely beneficial, especially for the KWT women who wish to utilize the limited land around their homes. Our hope is that the knowledge provided can be applied sustainably to add economic value and enhance food security in Sukagalih Village,” she stated.

The community service program concluded on August 23rd, 2025, with the symbolic handover of hydroponic installations to KWT representatives. This closure marks the beginning of the program's continuity, with SITH ITB committed to ongoing coordination with village authorities to monitor the development of the hydroponic plants. It is hoped that this activity will serve as a catalyst for sustainable village development based on environmentally friendly and productive agricultural innovation.

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