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The soil in Kedungdandang Hamlet, Muncar, has previously been identified as expansive clay that is highly sensitive to changes in moisture content and exhibits significant shrink–swell behavior, which leads to a reduction in bearing capacity and structural damage such as cracking in floors and walls, therefore, soil improvement through stabilization is required. This study aims to determine the effect of adding cement and rice husk ash (RHA) on the mechanical properties of expansive clay soil by using 3% cement and 6%, 8%, and 10% rice husk ash based on the weight of the soil. The results of the unconfined compressive strength (UCT) test indicate that the natural soil has a qu value of 28.62 kN/m², which increases to 55.08 kN/m² with the addition of 3% cement and 6% RHA, to 62.66 kN/m² with 3% cement and 8% RHA, and reaches the highest value of 86.98 kN/m² for the mixture containing 3% cement and 10% RHA. This increase in qu value indicates that the stabilization process improves the mechanical properties of the soil through a pozzolanic reaction, resulting in a more stable soil structure and a higher bearing capacity.

Farmers are grappling with drought challenges that jeopardize rice production. To address this, the government is promoting the use of water pumps and the construction of reservoirs. However, reservoir development comes with specific stipulations, such as the land used needing to be owned by the village or government. Climate change poses a significant challenge to Indonesia's agricultural sector. The pump irrigation program has emerged as a crucial solution for water scarcity in farmlands. This research was conducted in Belangturi Village, Ruteng District, Manggarai Regency, chosen purposively due to its status as a key rice paddy development area. The study took place from December 2023 to April 2024, employing simple random sampling. Data indicates there are 40 active rice paddy farmers in Belang Turi Village. An economic analysis forecasts substantial benefits from this program, including a 20-30% increase in rice production, an improved cropping index, crop diversification, and a 40-60% rise in farmer income. The financial analysis yields highly positive results: an NPV of IDR 450,000,000, an IRR of 18%, a Payback Period of 4.5 years, and a BCR of 1.75, all strongly indicating a highly feasible investment. From a social standpoint, pump irrigation is desperately needed and enthusiastically supported by the community. It's perceived as vital for overcoming critical water shortages, enhancing welfare, and improving access to education and healthcare. Therefore, implementing this pump irrigation system is highly recommended as a comprehensive solution for sustainable agricultural development in Belang Turi Village.

Rice production remains a strategic component in supporting local food security, yet its performance is strongly influenced by the heterogeneity of farmers' characteristics. This study aims to describe the characteristics of rice farmers in Tonra District and analyze their implications for the formulation of agricultural extension programs. Using a descriptive quantitative approach with 100 respondents selected proportionally from eleven villages, the research examines key variables including land size, seed use, fertilizer application, age, education level, and farming experience. The findings reveal clear variations in productivity among farmers, where higher production is generally associated with larger landholding, optimal input use, productive age groups, higher educational attainment, and moderate farming experience. These patterns highlight how farmers' demographic and agronomic characteristics shape their management capacity and adoption of recommended practices. The study emphasizes that extension programs must be designed based on farmers’ actual profiles to enhance relevance and effectiveness. Tailored strategies—such as visual communication for low-education groups, mechanization support for senior farmers, and input-use optimization training—are necessary to improve productivity outcomes. The results provide an important basis for developing more targeted, responsive, and sustainable agricultural extension programming at the district level.

Rice is the staple food of most Indonesian people, making its availability a national priority. This study aims to analyze the effect of harvested area on national rice production using a time series linear regression approach based on monthly data in 2025. The research employed quantitative methods using secondary data analyzed with SPSS 27. The regression results produced the equation Ŷ = –0.067 + 0.003X. The t-test showed a significance value < 0.001, indicating that harvested area has a positive and significant effect on rice production. The coefficient of determination (R²) was 0.994, meaning 99.4% of rice production variation is explained by harvested area. These findings indicate that fluctuations in national rice production are largely determined by changes in harvested area rather than short-term productivity variations. Therefore, policies to increase rice production should prioritize maintaining harvested area through land protection, planting acceleration, and crop failure mitigation. The study contributes to providing an empirical model for short-term prediction of rice production in Indonesia.

Manual post-harvest paddy stirring requires significant time and labor and often results in uneven mixing, which can affect grain quality. To address this issue, this study designed and implemented a prototype of an Internet of Things (IoT)-based paddy stirring robot to simplify the process and improve efficiency. The system utilizes an ESP32 microcontroller as the main controller, DC motors as the stirring mechanism, and an IoT module for wireless connectivity to a mobile application. The research stages included hardware design, control system programming, IoT platform integration, and performance testing. Testing was conducted to evaluate response time, mixing uniformity, and power consumption. The results showed that the system could be operated remotely via a local Wi-Fi network with an average delay of less than 1 second, enabling real-time control. The prototype successfully stirred 0.3 kg of paddy with a mixing uniformity rate of 92% and an average power consumption of 12 watts. The application of IoT in the paddy stirring mechanism significantly improved time efficiency, reduced manual labor requirements, and maintained grain quality compared to traditional methods. These findings indicate the potential for further development into a large-scale automated paddy processing system with integrated humidity and temperature sensors for real-time quality monitoring, supporting the modernization of post-harvest processing through digital technology.

This community service program was conducted in Manarap Baru Village, Banjar Regency, South Kalimantan, focusing on the utilization of rice husks as a planting medium to promote creative economic development. The background of this initiative stems from the local soil conditions, which are predominantly fill soil and swamp, making it less suitable for plant cultivation. Additionally, the community—especially housewives—faces limited knowledge and resources in processing agricultural waste into economically valuable products. The implementation methods included preliminary surveys, socialization, educational outreach, hands-on practice, and evaluation. The materials delivered covered the benefits of rice husks as planting media and compost, techniques for converting husks into charcoal, and business opportunities derived from processed husk products.The results of the program showed a significant improvement in participants' understanding of independent planting media and compost production, reduced reliance on commercial products, and the emergence of new business opportunities that support sustainable agriculture.

In line with this national rice productivity improvement strategy, the Situbondo Regency Government in East Java Province is actively participating in initiating the development of new superior rice varieties. In early 2023, Situbondo Regency released a new superior rice variety, the Bk Situbondo 01 Agritan Variety. This new rice variety was developed for the IP 400 program. In 2024, the cultivation of this superior rice variety, Bk Situbondo 01 Agritan, began in several villages, one of which was in Battal Village, Panji District, primarily by the Joyo Mulyo 3 Farmers Group. In this regard, it is deemed necessary to conduct research to determine the income and financial efficiency of the superior rice variety Bk Situbondo 01 Agritan. The results of the study indicate that financially the income is recorded as profitable and the farming is efficient. Financially, if it is calculated that there is a decrease in the amount of production and a decrease in production prices of up to 15%, as well as an increase in variable costs of up to 15%, assuming that other factors are considered constant, the new superior rice variety farming business Bk Situbondo 01 Agritan, recorded that the income is still profitable and the farming business is still efficient. It can also be seen that the factors: (a) decrease in the amount (quantity) of production, and (b) decrease in production prices, are relatively more sensitive in responding to the decrease in the level of income and efficiency of the farming business, when compared to the factor: (c) increase in variable costs of the farming business.

Agricultural practices that take local wisdom into account can provide significant benefits to the environment and society. Local wisdom plays a crucial role in sustainable agricultural practices. Time-tested knowledge and practices can provide solutions to the challenges faced by modern farmers, particularly in the context of climate change and environmental degradation. However, despite extensive research, a significant research gap remains, specifically how local wisdom in the Tumbang Datu Valley can be integrated into broader agricultural policies. The research used was descriptive with a qualitative approach. Qualitative research aims to understand social phenomena from the perspective of participants. Initial informants were selected purposively, selecting informants deemed to have extensive knowledge of the conditions in the village under study, using a snowball sampling technique. The first step was to identify key informants, who in this study consisted of 16 traditional leaders and farmers familiar with the culture in Lembang Tumbang Datu and directly involved in the practice. The local wisdom in the rice farming process, from pre-planting, planting, maintenance, to harvesting and post-harvest, is implemented based on ancestral heritage in line with environmental conservation. Farmers demonstrate their concern for nature through natural soil cultivation, selection of superior seeds, use of organic fertilizers, and implementation of efficient planting and irrigation systems. The application of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and post-harvest technology demonstrates the farmers' ability to adapt to innovation while maintaining local wisdom. Overall, the rice farming system in Lembang Tumbang Datu demonstrates the synergy between tradition and modernity, supporting food security while preserving cultural heritage.

Dependence on chemical fertilizers has caused a decline in soil quality, groundwater contamination, and rising agricultural production costs due to unstable fertilizer prices. In recent years, frequent fertilizer crises have revealed the fragility of reliance on inorganic fertilizers within the national agricultural system. Hence, a transformation toward environmentally friendly and sustainable agriculture is urgently required. This study employed a scoring technique to analyze field observation data, which were narrated based on the written methodology. Respondents’ answers were categorized and classified according to their assumptions or opinions, with scores determined using a Likert scale. The Likert scale measures attitudes, opinions, and perceptions of individuals or groups regarding specific social phenomena. The results showed that key driving factors—such as affordable fertilizer prices, support from agricultural extension workers, and social encouragement from the community—achieved scores above 82%. This finding indicates that external conditions are quite favorable for promoting the use of organic fertilizers. However, major challenges remain, including the limited availability of organic fertilizers in the field and farmers’ long-standing dependency on chemical fertilizers. To address these challenges, it is essential to enhance the market availability of liquid organic fertilizers (POC) through collaboration between producers and farmer groups. Continuous technical assistance should be provided, including demonstration plots that display tangible improvements in rice yields using POC. Furthermore, government support in the form of targeted subsidies or special incentives for farmers transitioning to organic fertilizers is vital, while strengthening the role of farmer groups and agricultural extension workers as catalysts for the adoption of environmentally friendly innovations.

An educational activity on the use of agricultural waste as animal feed through fermentation technology was held in Kapedi Village, Bluto Subdistrict, Sumenep Regency. The aim of this activity was to improve farmers' understanding and skills in processing agricultural waste, such as rice straw and corn cobs, into alternative feed that is highly nutritious and environmentally friendly. The methods used included interactive extension, practical fermentation feed production, discussion, and evaluation. The results showed high enthusiasm among participants, increased knowledge about fermentation technology, and successful production of fermented feed that was liked by livestock and had the potential to increase productivity. The main obstacles, namely limited initial knowledge and the length of fermentation time, could be overcome with technical assistance. This extension not only provides an economical and high-quality livestock feed solution but also supports sustainable agricultural waste management. It is recommended that fermentation materials be facilitated, advanced training be provided, and socialisation be carried out in other villages so that the benefits of this technology can be expanded.

This community service article presents the implementation of the GELORA outreach and training program conducted in Sebanen Village, Jember, Indonesia, focusing on the promotion of low-cost and eco-friendly fermented feeds formulated from locally available agricultural residues such as papaya leaves, rice bran, molasses, and EM4. The program aimed to strengthen the capacity of smallholder catfish farmers and the village enterprise (BUMDes) through a series of integrated activities including a rapid needs assessment, hands-on training sessions, technical mentoring, and knowledge dissemination. As a result, participants demonstrated improved technical skills in household-scale feed formulation and fermentation, a stronger understanding of sustainable and circular economy principles, and an increased willingness to adopt environmentally friendly aquaculture practices. Moreover, follow-up mentoring groups were established to ensure program continuity and local innovation. This participatory model effectively combines community engagement with scientific evidence in aquaculture nutrition and is suitable for replication in other rural aquaculture development contexts.

The use of technology in rice farming can significantly increase production, reduce management time, expand cultivated land, and improve product quality to meet consumer standards. When rice production meets market demand, the selling price becomes higher, thus increasing farmers’ income and welfare. The presence of farmer groups plays a vital role as a learning forum for gaining knowledge, implementing agricultural technology, and facilitating access to agricultural tools and machinery. This enables farmers to apply technology effectively, improve work efficiency, and address challenges in rice farming. Considering the great potential of this region for rice cultivation, supported by growing local food demand and the national food security program, technology implementation becomes essential. This study employed the Likert scale method to measure farmers’ attitudes, opinions, and perceptions, with samples collected through purposive sampling. The findings show that the role of farmer groups in implementing rice farming technology in the Misa Kada (Advanced) group reached 74.91%, while the Ta’pan Kila’ (Beginner) group reached 66.07%. This indicates that farmer groups have contributed effectively, though some activities remain suboptimal. Strengthening learning class programs is the most strategic effort to enhance farmers’ understanding of agricultural technology, improve productivity, and maintain Tana Toraja’s cultural values.

Along with the development of the times and increasingly competitive market demands, there is an urgent need to develop post-harvest handling strategies based on technological innovation, strengthening farmer capacity, and developing supporting infrastructure in Makale District. This strategy not only aims to reduce the level of yield loss, but also increase product added value, expand market access, and encourage agricultural-based regional economic growth. This study uses the SWOT Analysis Method used to evaluate strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in the implementation of rice post-harvest handling strategies. The results of this analysis can be used to formulate recommendations for more effective and sustainable strategies for farmers and other stakeholders. The results of the study by carrying out a SWOT analysis include strengths including long experience, farmer group socialization, quality awareness, weaknesses including dominant age old, limited capital, traditional methods, high yield loss, opportunities including government programs, local rice demand, the role of extension workers, the availability of appropriate technology and Threats including extreme weather, competition with modern areas, limited infrastructure, low farmer regeneration. This study emphasizes the importance of transforming harvest-post-harvest practices from traditional to semi-modern based on farmer groups. A combination of training, provision of tools and ongoing support is essential to reduce yield losses, improve grain quality and maintain agricultural sustainability in Tana Toraja.

Climate change has a significant impact on organic rice cultivation, which depends heavily on environmental conditions. This study aims to: (1) identify the characteristics of organic rice farmers in Pagerageung District, (2) examine farmers’ perceptions of climate change, (3) analyze farmers’ adaptation strategies to climate change, and (4) assess the relationship between farmers’ characteristics and perceptions with their adaptive capacity. The research employed a quantitative survey method using a census technique involving 44 farmers, with data collected through questionnaires, interviews, and observations. The results showed that: (1) farmers’ characteristics were at a moderate level (score 534/880), (2) farmers’ perceptions were high (score 1,686/2,112), (3) adaptation was moderate (score 1,548/2,112) with economic adaptation being the highest, and (4) there was a significant relationship between farmers’ characteristics (ρ = 0.504; p = 0.000) and perceptions (ρ = 0.431; p = 0.000) with their adaptation to climate change. Simultaneously, Kendall’s W test (0.506; p = 0.000) indicated a significant relationship between farmers’ characteristics and perceptions with their adaptive capacity to climate change.

Klepon is a traditional Indonesian market snack made from glutinous rice flour, shaped into small balls, and filled with sweet palm sugar, then coated with savory grated coconut. When bitten, the palm sugar inside bursts, giving a unique and delicious taste sensation. Klepon has been part of the Nusantara culinary heritage since the 1950s and was even introduced by Indonesian immigrants to the Netherlands. According to Mangkubumi, modifying the klepon recipe is an effective way to introduce and preserve this traditional food, as long as the original recipe and shape are maintained. This way, people can still enjoy klepon in its original form even though there are modern variations like klepon cake.

The use of plastic as planting containers remains a serious environmental issue due to its non-biodegradable nature, which can contaminate soil and water. One solution is to utilize rice straw waste as a raw material for biodegradable pots. This innovation can reduce dependence on plastic pots while providing ecological and economic benefits. Rice straw-based pots offer several advantages, including easy decomposition in soil, enhancing soil fertility, and reducing pollution caused by straw burning. This study aims to utilize rice straw waste to produce environmentally friendly biodegradable pots as an alternative to plastic containers. The method employed is Participatory Action Research (PAR), emphasizing collaboration between students and teachers through hands-on learning. The activities include socialization, practical training on making rice straw pots, participatory evaluation, and the use of the pots as planting media. The results showed that 100% of participants successfully produced high-quality rice straw pots, with positive responses reflected in high satisfaction and increased understanding of recycling concepts. The rice straw pots decompose within 2–3 months, add organic matter to the soil, and create opportunities for a circular economy. The main challenge identified is the relatively short durability of the pots, requiring innovations using natural adhesives or material combinations to enhance resilience. These findings reinforce the potential of rice straw as a solution for agricultural waste management and community empowerment toward sustainable agriculture.

Indonesia is known as an agrarian country with abundant natural resources; however, challenges remain in achieving food security, particularly in rice production. Bagok Village, East Barito Regency, Central Kalimantan, has considerable potential for rice cultivation, yet farmers face constraints such as limited knowledge of cultivation practices, restricted access to technology, and insufficient training or extension support. This study aims to analyze the improvement of farmers’ knowledge after participating in technology transfer activities. A qualitative approach supported by quantitative data was employed, with data collected through observation, interviews, focus group discussions, questionnaires, and documentation. Data were analyzed using a process of reduction, presentation, and conclusion drawing. The results show significant improvements in farmers’ knowledge across three key aspects: rice cultivation based on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) increased by 57.6%, water management by 54.98%, and pest and disease control by 35%. These findings highlight the importance of continuous and participatory training to encourage the adoption of agricultural innovations. Overall, technology transfer activities have proven effective in strengthening farmers’ capacity to manage rice fields more efficiently, thereby supporting national food security efforts.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of broiler concentrate-based rations combined with corn and rice bran on the performance of native chickens. A total of four dietary treatments were formulated, namely P1 (100% broiler concentrate), P2 (75% broiler concentrate, 10% corn, 15% rice bran), P3 (50% broiler concentrate, 30% corn, 20% rice bran), and P4 (25% broiler concentrate, 55% corn, 20% rice bran). The parameters observed included feed intake, body weight gain, and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), and significant differences among treatments were further tested with Duncan’s New Multiple Range Test (DMRT). The results showed that dietary treatments significantly affected the growth performance of native chickens (P<0.05). Chickens fed diets with higher proportions of broiler concentrate (P1 and P2) exhibited better body weight gain and more efficient feed conversion compared to those receiving lower concentrate levels (P3 and P4). In contrast, increasing corn and rice bran levels tended to increase feed intake but did not proportionally improve body weight gain, resulting in poorer FCR. It can be concluded that native chickens perform optimally when fed rations containing at least 75% broiler concentrate, which provides a balance between growth and feed efficiency.

PT Pos Logistik Indonesia (POSLOG) is a company that provides integrated logistics services across various sectors. One of the main commodities delivered regularly each year is rice from Bulog, which has a significant distribution volume. At present, PT Pos Logistik Indonesia – Branch Bandung still relies on third-party (vendor) transportation services, which leads to suboptimal company revenue and creates dependency on external parties. This study aims to conduct a comparative analysis of operational cost efficiency between the use of company-owned vehicles and rented vehicles. The analytical methods applied include Vehicle Operating Costs (VOC), Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), and Payback Period (PP). The analysis results show that the cost of using vendor services amounts to IDR 710 per kilogram, while the cost of using company-owned vehicles is only IDR 284 per kilogram. Furthermore, the NPV value reached IDR 2,732,364,981, the IRR was 129.94%, and the Payback Period was 1 year and 9 months. Based on these findings, investing in company-owned vehicles is proven to be more efficient, economical, and feasible to improve profitability and ensure business sustainability.

The Community Service Program (KKN) in Pematang Kasih Village, Pantai Cermin District, focused on the construction of owl houses (RUBUHA) as an environmentally friendly effort to control rice field rats. The background to this activity was the high level of rat infestation that was detrimental to local farmers' rice harvests and the excessive use of chemical pesticides, which had the potential to negatively impact human health and ecosystem balance. The research method used was descriptive qualitative, with data collection techniques through direct observation in agricultural fields, interviews with farmer groups, and documentation of the owl house construction process. The results showed that the village community responded positively to this program because the use of owls as natural predators was proven to be more effective in controlling the rat pest population while reducing dependence on chemical pesticides. In addition, this program also increased public awareness of the importance of ecologically based pest control and preserving biodiversity. With the owl houses built around rice fields, it is hoped that a sustainable agricultural pattern can be created that supports the welfare of farmers while preserving the environment.