Nusa Lembongan, Bali – Students from the Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) Community Service Program (KKN-PPM), Team Nirwana Nusa Penida, have implemented a Downstream Integrated Farming Program to strengthen food security while promoting environmentally friendly agricultural practices among local communities in Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Penida District, Klungkung Regency, Bali. Conducted from June 24 to August 31, 2026, the program forms part of the broader KKN theme, “Strengthening Upstream-to-Downstream Waste Management through a Circular Economy Approach in Jungutbatu and Lembongan Villages.” The initiative was realized through the establishment of two integrated farming demonstration plots (demplots): one at Kebun Dharma, owned by Wahyu Yoga, and another at the Community Garden managed by Ketut Nusa.
Unlike conventional farming systems that rely heavily on synthetic fertilizers and chemical pesticides, these demonstration plots adopt environmentally friendly cultivation practices. The program integrates crop production, livestock farming, and composting, enabling organic waste to be recycled into compost and animal manure that improve soil fertility and support healthy plant growth.
One of the members of the UGM KKN-PPM Nirwana Nusa Penida Team, Arnes Desti Hapsari, a Plant Protection student from the Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada, contributed by implementing sustainable plant protection strategies through the use of biological control agents and the conservation of natural enemies. One of the key practices introduced was the application of Trichoderma as a biological control fungus in the planting medium. This beneficial fungus helps suppress the development of soil-borne pathogens while improving root health, thereby promoting optimal plant growth.
Plant protection efforts were further strengthened through the intercropping of marigold as a refugia and repellent plant alongside horticultural crops, food crops, and Multi-Purpose Tree Species (MPTS). The refugia provide habitats and food resources for beneficial insects and natural enemies, helping maintain ecological balance and naturally suppress pest populations. This approach is consistent with the principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which emphasize ecosystem-based pest management rather than dependence on chemical pesticides.
The implementation of the program was not without challenges. Agricultural land in Nusa Lembongan is generally characterized by hard, dry soils with low organic matter content. In addition, relatively low rainfall and high temperatures present further constraints to crop cultivation. Nevertheless, these challenges were addressed through the incorporation of organic matter, the application of biological control agents, and the adoption of cultivation techniques suited to local environmental conditions.
“Through this program, I hope to introduce the idea that plant protection is not always synonymous with the use of chemical pesticides. The application of biological control agents such as Trichoderma and the cultivation of marigold are environmentally friendly approaches that can be implemented to maintain plant health in a sustainable manner,” said Arnes.
The program received enthusiastic support from local partners. Wahyu Yoga, the owner of one of the demonstration plots, expressed that the transformation of his land far exceeded his expectations.
“I never imagined that you would develop my land with such dedication, integrating both farming and livestock production. Not only did you plant various crops, but you also taught us environmentally friendly cultivation practices. I used to come here almost every day just to relax, but now I have a new and enjoyable routine—watering the plants and feeding the chickens and ducks,” he said.
Through this initiative, Arnes hopes that local communities will become more familiar with the application of biological control as an integral part of environmentally sustainable agricultural practices. The integrated farming demonstration plots are expected to continue serving as educational facilities, promoting the importance of maintaining plant health through the use of biological control agents, the conservation of natural enemies, and the long-term implementation of Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
The Downstream Integrated Farming Program implemented by the UGM KKN-PPM Nirwana Nusa Penida Team contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by strengthening sustainable agricultural systems and enhancing community food security; SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) through the recycling of organic waste within an integrated farming system based on circular economy principles; SDG 13 (Climate Action) by promoting environmentally friendly cultivation practices through the use of biological control agents, composting, and reducing dependence on chemical pesticides; and SDG 15 (Life on Land) through the implementation of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), conservation of natural enemies, and the use of refugia plants to preserve ecosystem balance and biodiversity in agricultural landscapes. Furthermore, the collaboration among university students, local communities, and community partners reflects the spirit of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by fostering partnerships that support sustainable agricultural development.
