UNS — Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta initiated a strawberry cultivation workshop and distributed strawberry seeds last February in Bangkok Village, Karanggede Subdistrict, Boyolali District, Central Java. This program is implemented by Team 104 Student Community Service Program (KKN) UNS.
The village’s location in the region’s hilly parts makes this village has an appropriate climate to grow strawberries. This condition encouraged Team 104 KKN to implement the strawberry cultivation program in the village. Strawberry is relatively easy to cultivate because its tendrils can be used as new seeds to increase the plants.
“In the rainy season, the air temperature in this village is lower, supporting strawberry’s growth. In the dry season (people) can still harvesting maximum results with a more intensive watering process,” Andreanus Dicky, Team 104 KKN UNS leader explained on Monday (1/3/2021).
Besides its simple maintenance, the large number of unutilized manures in the village can be processed into fertilizer for strawberry cultivation, as explained by Luthfina Wahyu Istiqomah as the speaker in the workshop on strawberry plants maintenance. “Strawberry can be cultivated in loose soil or other materials such as husk and compost mixture,” Luthfina explained.
In the interview on the challenges faced during the program implementation, Andreanus explained that there were no significant challenges in the event. “The participants were enthusiastic and interested in the event. There were no significant challenges because we also provided assistance and re-explained (the material) when we distribute the seeds,” Andreanus said.
The event is expected to empower the housewives in the Family Empowerment and Welfare (PKK) group. The village climate will support strawberry cultivation both for personal consumption or to create a new commodity for the village. Humas UNS
Reporter: Bayu Aji Prasetya
Editor: Dwi Hastuti
