Synergy of Science and Technology: Unsri Professor Turns Coffee Husk Waste into High-Value Organic Fertilizer

This time, a team of faculty members from the Faculty of Agriculture at Sriwijaya University (Unsri) has introduced an environmentally friendly innovation by transforming coffee husk waste into high-value organic fertilizer.

The community service program, titled “Optimizing Coffee Husk Waste and PGPR through MPPO (Organic Fertilizer Production Machine) Technology to Create PUNIK (Organic Fertilizer) Innovation,” was carried out in Muara Tenang Village, Perahu Dipo Subdistrict, South Dempo District, Pagar Alam City.

This area is known as one of the centers of coffee production, with partner farmer groups cultivating approximately 33.5 hectares of land.

Until now, the accumulation of coffee husk waste has often posed an environmental problem for farmers.

However, through the application of MPPO technology and the use of Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR), this waste is now transformed into a product of both economic and ecological value—a premium organic fertilizer named PUNIK.

The head of the community service team, Fitri Ramadhani, S.P., M.Si, along with team members Dr. Ir. Mery Hasmeda, M.Sc., and Dr. Fikri Adriansyah, S.Si., explained that MPPO technology is a simple machine that accelerates the process of converting coffee husk waste into solid fertilizer in a short amount of time.

Combining this with PGPR helps increase nutrient availability and strengthen plant resilience.

“We see great potential in coffee husk waste. Through MPPO technology and the use of PGPR, waste that was once a burden can now become the village’s flagship product—an effective, affordable, and environmentally friendly organic fertilizer,” said Fitri Ramadhani.

This activity was attended by a group of young farmers, village officials, and the local community.