UNS — A Community Service team from the Community Empowerment Research Group (RG) in the Community Development/Empowerment Counseling Study Program, Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Postgraduate Study, held series of florist training in Berjo Village, Ngargoyoso Sub-District, Karanganyar District. The training was conducted in the form of discussion and chrysanthemum cultivation practice, flower bouquets creation, business management, and online marketing for the member of Berjo Flora Farmer Group.
The head of the community service program, Dr. Suminah, states that the florist business in Berjo Village has a high economic potential. However, there are still challenges to maximize those potentials. Among the challenges is farmers’ knowledge of the varieties of flowers that have high economic value, lack of marketing strategy, business management, and the need to enhance florist business motivation.
The training aims to improve the farmers’ capability in developing their business and increasing their income. “The potential of flower agriculture in Berjo Village is excellent if it can be managed properly. The florist business initiated by the young farmers will be the main capital, especially with the geographical condition of the Berjo Village that supports the business. However, the farmers still need to enhance their capacity to establish their business into a sustainable and competitive one,” Dr. Suminah explained on Monday (21/6/2021).
The training that was attended by 14 members of the Farmer Group was conducted in several stages, covering chrysanthemum cultivation, analysis, diversification, and marketing. The first training took place in a chrysanthemum field in Duren Village, Bandungan Sub-District, that have a long experience in the chrysanthemum business. During the training, the Berjo Flora farmers learn to directly practice the seeding process, planting, cultivation, and harvesting chrysanthemums.
The following training covers a briefing on flower bouquet making to add diversification for the farmers. Aside from that, the training also covers the online marketing technique using social media and the provision of the nameplate for the group-owned flower shop outlet.
During the training, the attending members showed excellent enthusiasm both during the discussion and practice session. Understanding the market potential and how to maintain flower quality will be valuable knowledge for the farmers attending the training. It is expected that this training will improve the farmers’ motivation and skills in flower cultivation.
Meanwhile, the head of Berjo Flora Group, Ricky, representing the members, expresses his gratitude to the community service team. “We are grateful to the community service team lecturers from the UNS Postgraduate Study Research Group, which gives additional skills for our members. This training has motivated us to improve our business and expand our networking in flower cultivation, business,” said Ricky. Humas UNS
Reporter: Dwi Hastuti