UNS – Farmers in Gemblung Hamlet, Wonosari Village, Gondangrejo, Karanganyar, Central Java, had finally embraced solar technology as their water pump energy source. This technology grant was provided by Dr. Komariah, a lecturer at the Faculty of Agriculture (FP) Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta to the MAKMUR 1 Farmers Group, led by Waluyo.
Dr. Komariah explained to uns.ac.id that local farmers used diesel fuel or gas to operate water pumps. While these fuels are affordable, both are often scarce. Furthermore, these fuels are not environmentally friendly and are not sustainable natural resources. Their use also produces carbon emissions during combustion.
In this regard, Dr. Komariah collaborated with Prof. Masateru Senge from Gifu University, Japan. They sought to introduce solar power as an environmentally friendly alternative energy source to the Makmur 1 Farmers Group. The technology grant consists of a 1,000-watt solar panel equipped with a battery capable of storing up to 2,000 watts and a water pump with a capacity of 500 liters per minute, received by the Makmur 1 Farmers Group on Tuesday (26/9/2023). They hope this technology will help boost agricultural production for the Makmur 1 Farmer Group.
The head of Wonosari Village, Didik Sutarto, also hopes that this technology grant will be the foundation for the development of a solar energy system in Wonosari Village. He aspires to see this technology expand not only into agriculture but also into other fields.
“Hopefully, UNS can continue to accompany Wonosari Village in realizing our dreams of creating agrotourism in Wonosari. Wonosari Village has great potential, especially among the enthusiastic farmers, to achieve these aspirations,” Didik Sutarto said.
The guidance and discussion between the UNS team and the farmer group, as well as the village head, were held with enthusiasm. Dr. James MacGregor from Ecoplannet, Canada, was also present, expressing his support for helping the Wonosari Village community realize their agrotourism dreams. Humas UNS
Reporter: R. P. Adji
Editor: Dwi Hastuti
