The Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Brawijaya (FP UB) introduced an agroecosystem approach to reduce farmers’ dependence on pesticides in Laweyan Village that cause residue problems in the environment.
In the discussion held in Probolinggo Regency, Prof. Hagus Tarno said that agroecosystem management is an approach to control plant pests and does not cause negative impacts on the environment.
“Agroecosystem management is an important part of the concept of integrated pest management that prioritizes planning in crop cultivation. Understanding agroecosystems is the basis for planning and managing agroecosystems. With agroecosystem management, farmers will release their dependence on various synthetic inputs, especially pesticides, which can cause pesticide residue problems in products and the environment, as well as avoid resistance and resurgence in pests,” said Prof. Hagus Tarno.
Prof. Hagus added that in agricultural cultivation, the main problem that often becomes a concern is pests and plant diseases.
One of the shallot farmers, Heri, said that pest attacks can significantly reduce crop yields.
With an agroecosystem approach, pest control can be done by utilizing natural enemies (carnivores) which are part of the agroecosystem in suppressing the pest population (herbivores).
Prof. Hagus added that farmers who understand the concept of agroecosystem management can wisely utilize various components in their agroecosystem to replace the role of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers that are commonly used by conventional farmers.
The discussion was attended by the Community and Government, namely the Farmer Group, Head of the Tourism Office, Agricultural Extension Officers of Probolinggo Regency and groups of students who are taking part in the Real Work Lecture.
At the end of the discussion, the farmers hoped that there would be further activities to assist farmers in Laweyan village in order to oversee the cultivation of various commodities carried out by farmers.
“Hopefully there will be continuity between academics and shallot farmers to improve shallot management in Probolinggo Regency,” said Heri. (*/UB PR/ Trans. Iir).
