UGM assists the Guyup Chrysanthemum Farmers Group in Gerbosari Village, Samigaluh, Kulon Progo, DIY. The assistance aims to support efforts to cultivate chrysanthemums through several programs.
One of these programs was a workshop on the production of urine-based liquid fertilizer (biofertilizer) and entrepreneurship entitled “Optimizing the Potential of Chrysanthemum Flowers Through Biofertilizer Applications and Marketing Systems Based on Experimental Economics” held on Wednesday (16/6). This activity is part of the guided village-based community service program funded by the UGM DPKM for the 2021 period.
The Village Head of Gerbosari, Damar, opened the workshop, with speakers Dwi Umi Siswanti (Faculty of Biology) and Dr. M. Ryan Sanjaya (FEB). Ryan said that the advantage of Gerbosari’s chrysanthemum product is that the group already collaborates with florists. That way, the price is not dynamic, and the plant stems are strong and not easily wilted compared to competing products. However, the products of this farmer group have not been able to meet market demand. The color of the flower crowns is not as bright as other chrysanthemums of competing products. In addition, this farmer group has to compete against competitors with much cheaper products because of big harvests. Therefore, it is necessary to diversify products made from chrysanthemums and alternative marketing channels.
“We should try to sell products at prices that reflect the value of these goods in the eyes of consumers, not based on the cost spent in producing them. So we should implement the marketing strategy called the Marketing Mix or the 4P Marketing Strategy, namely promotion, product, price, and place,” added Ryan.
Meanwhile, Dwi Umi explained the advantages of biofertilizer or liquid fertilizer made from urine and microbes. Biofertilizers can improve the physical, biological, and chemical properties of the soil, reduce livestock waste, and serve as an environmentally friendly fertilizer.
“From the analysis of the potential for biofertilizer products in Gerbosari Village, there are 19,210 liters/day. A product of this size will be able to meet the needs of not only chrysanthemum farming in 120 kubung belonging to farmer groups, but also other agricultural products in Gerbosari, such as coffee and rice,” she explained.
Dwi has conducted research on biofertilizers since 2010. It has been applied to various production plants to find the right dose. As a result, besides increasing productivity, biofertilizers also reduce production costs and maintain the quality of soil media.
On that occasion, they also practiced making biofertilizers from goat urine and yeast (microbes). The urine will be fermented for 14 days and then applied to the chrysanthemum plants belonging to the farmer group.
The village head of Gerbosari, Damar, expressed his gratitude for the attention of UGM for assisting the chrysanthemum farmer group that had stopped running during the early 2020 Covid-19 pandemic.
“I appreciate UGM very much who always comes down the mountain bringing technology and ideas for us. Hopefully, this collaboration will continue, and our products can be consumed and accepted by UGM residents in the future,” said Damar.
Head of the Guyup Chrysanthemum Farmers Group, Suharso, hoped UGM would continue to provide ongoing assistance. Assistance is expected to run for at least the next three years.
Source: https://ugm.ac.id/id/berita/21266-ugm-beri-pendampingan-petani-bunga-krisan-di-kulon-progo
