UNSRI Implements Smart Farming in Banyuasin; Small-Scale Chicken Farmers Equipped with Semi-Automatic Incubators

This community service activity aims to improve farmers’ knowledge and skills in managing native chicken breeding programs in an independent, structured, and sustainable manner.

The Head of Community Service at UNSRI, Dinna Yunnika Hardiyati, S.Si., M.Sc., stated that the application of appropriate technology is one of the ways universities can help communities develop more productive poultry businesses.

“Through this initiative, we aim to empower backyard chicken farmers to manage their breeding operations more independently by utilizing technology tailored to their needs. The hope is that business productivity will increase and dependence on external supplies of day-old chicks (DOC) can be reduced,” Dinna said on Wednesday, November 11, 2026.

The program, led by Dinna Yunika Hardiyanti, S.Si., MT, from the UNSRI Faculty of Computer Science, focuses on strengthening farmers’ capacity through the use of technology, the development of standard operating procedures (SOPs), and improvements to production record-keeping systems.

One of the technologies implemented is a semi-automatic egg incubator with a capacity of 100 to 200 eggs. The device is equipped with a digital thermometer, a hygrometer, a heating lamp, and a timer to help farmers control the egg hatching process.

According to Dedy, the use of these incubators is expected to help farmers carry out the breeding process in a more systematic manner.

“The technology we’re introducing isn’t just about providing equipment; it’s also about ensuring farmers understand how to operate and manage it. That way, the technology can truly be utilized to support their business activities,” he explained.

In addition to implementing the technology, the UNSRI team also provided training to 15 participants. The material covered included breeding management, selection of hatching eggs, incubator operation, and care for day-old chicks (DOCs).

Evaluation results showed an increase in participants’ understanding after attending the training. The participants’ average score, which was previously 46.0, rose to 82.7 after the training concluded.

This improvement demonstrates that the training and mentoring provided were effective in enhancing the farmers’ knowledge of native chicken breeding management.

To support the program, partners were also provided with breeding SOP documents and production logbooks. These records cover the management of breeding stock, feeding, livestock health, egg count, the hatching process, and the number of DOCs produced.

Dedy added that implementing SOPs and maintaining production records are crucial components in establishing better farm management practices.

“We hope that farmers will not only be able to operate incubator technology but also have a sound management and record-keeping system. With organized production data, business operators can monitor and evaluate their management, making it more measurable,” he added.

Through this initiative, UNSRI hopes that backyard chicken farmers in Gelebak Dalam Village can enhance their business capacity, strengthen their self-reliance in breeding, and develop more productive and sustainable poultry operations.

This program also serves as a form of the university’s contribution to supporting the empowerment of rural communities through the application of science and technology tailored to community needs.