Unsri Trains Residents of Permata Baru Village to Make Botanical Pesticides from Neem and Lerak Seed Extracts

Sriwijaya University (Unsri), through a team of faculty members and students from the Faculty of Agriculture, organized a community service activity in Permata Baru Village, North Indralaya Subdistrict, Ogan Ilir Regency, South Sumatra. The program, which ran from August through November 2023, focused on the theme “Utilization of Botanical Pesticides Derived from Neem and Lerak Seed Extracts to Control Insect Pests in Vegetable Crops in Permata Baru Village, Ogan Ilir.”

The program chair, Erise Anggraini, S.P., M.Si., Ph.D., explained that the program aims to introduce techniques for producing botanical pesticides made from neem and lerak seed extracts as an alternative method for controlling insect pests in vegetable crops. This activity also supports the implementation of the “Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka” (MBKM) program launched by the Ministry of Research, Technology, and Higher Education, with support from Sriwijaya University as part of its village development program.

The event involved 10 undergraduate students majoring in Plant Protection, as well as a team of faculty members from the Plant Protection and Agroecotechnology programs at the Unsri Faculty of Agriculture. Among the faculty members in attendance were Prof. Dr. Nuni Gofar, M.S., Dr. Ir. Chandra Irsan, Dr. Ir. Bakry, Dr. Fikri Ardiansyah, Dr. Rahmat Pratama, Arsi, M.Si., and Octaviani, M.Si.

Erise explained that botanical pesticides are an alternative method for controlling plant pests that utilizes plant-based ingredients. The use of neem and lerak extracts is expected to help the community control insect pest infestations on vegetable crops through a more environmentally friendly approach. According to her, this method aligns with the customs of the people of South Sumatra, who frequently consume vegetables as side dishes.

One of the main objectives of this program is to enable the community to produce botanical pesticides independently. Additionally, the knowledge provided is expected to serve as an alternative to reduce farmers’ losses caused by pest infestations.

The activity began with an informational session led by the community service team regarding the ingredients and steps for making botanical pesticides from neem extract. After receiving an explanation, community members were invited to participate directly in the practical demonstration of pesticide production. Students and villagers also practiced spraying the botanical pesticides on vegetable crops.

Through this series of informational sessions and hands-on activities, the Unsri community service team aims to enhance the knowledge and skills of the Permata Baru Village community in utilizing plant-based materials for pest control. This program is expected to promote community self-reliance in developing alternative pest control methods while supporting more environmentally friendly vegetable farming practices.