Jakarta (ANTARA) - A group of farmers in Malang District, East Java, has developed a community-based Living Lab as a horticultural farming solution to address the impacts of climate change.
They are participants of the Tawangargo Smart-Eco Farming Village (TAMENG) program, initiated by state-owned fertilizer company Petrokimia Gresik. Launched in 2022, the program involves 35 farmers from the Agronova Vision group. TAMENG promotes climate-smart agriculture techniques to ensure sustainability and increase farmers’ income.
Karmukit, one of the participants, said the Living Lab is community-driven. Farmers act not only as beneficiaries but also as active contributors conducting research and real-world trials for sustainable agriculture.
He added that TAMENG has become a platform for farmers, researchers, students, and communities to collaborate in finding agricultural solutions. Ideas are tested, simple technologies applied, and innovations born from collective efforts to advance sustainable farming practices.
According to Karmukit, the program has evolved into a community-based research center. Farming and livestock activities are now integrated with educational tourism, transforming the village into a hub of innovation and inspiration for Indonesia’s agricultural future.
Innovation continues through the use of solar panels to power water pumps, drip irrigation, and sprinklers. TAMENG also operates a waste management facility that helps process both organic and inorganic waste.
Harvest waste is converted into plant boosters, biological agents, and animal feed. Edible vegetables are turned by farmers’ wives into snacks such as noodles, chips, and sweets, which are sold in local stalls.
Inorganic waste is handled by a local waste bank and sold to recyclers, while hazardous waste is separated for safety. Farmers have also diversified their income by raising sheep, fish, and azolla, and cultivating worms for compost and fish feed.
The TAMENG area has also become an educational agrotourism site, where visitors can pick fresh vegetables and fruits, and join basic training on horticulture and eco-friendly farming.
“This Living Lab makes TAMENG an integrated horticultural ecosystem that strengthens farmers’ independence and supports national food self-sufficiency,” Karmukit said.
