Politeknik Negeri Jember (POLIJE), through its Teaching Factory (TEFA) Green House, has officially launched a melon-picking tourism program, offering the public a unique opportunity to experience modern agriculture firsthand. The initiative combines education, recreation, and agribusiness by inviting visitors to harvest premium melons directly from the greenhouse while learning about advanced cultivation techniques.

The program is designed to introduce the wider community to innovative farming technologies implemented at POLIJE's Smart Green House. Visitors can explore the greenhouse facilities, observe modern melon production systems, and gain practical knowledge about greenhouse management, precision farming, and sustainable horticultural practices.

According to Alviyan, Manager of the TEFA Green House, the melon-picking experience is open to the public and provides visitors with the opportunity to select and harvest ripe melons directly from the plants. Admission to the greenhouse is free, while visitors only pay for the melons they pick based on their weight. This concept encourages families, students, and tourists to enjoy fresh produce while appreciating the value of modern agricultural innovation.

The greenhouse cultivates several premium melon varieties known for their excellent sweetness, quality, and freshness. Beyond harvesting fruit, visitors receive explanations from greenhouse staff about the cultivation process, including seed selection, hydroponic systems, irrigation management, pollination, and post-harvest handling. This educational approach transforms a recreational visit into a valuable learning experience.

The melon-picking tourism program also serves as a practical learning platform for POLIJE students. As part of the Teaching Factory concept, students are directly involved in crop production, greenhouse operations, customer service, marketing, and agribusiness management. Through these activities, they develop industry-relevant competencies while applying classroom knowledge in a real business environment.

In addition to supporting vocational education, the initiative contributes to regional economic development by promoting agritourism and encouraging greater public interest in agriculture. The integration of education, tourism, and entrepreneurship demonstrates how agricultural innovation can generate additional economic value while inspiring younger generations to explore careers in the agricultural sector.

The TEFA Green House reflects POLIJE's long-standing commitment to developing production-based learning ecosystems. Over the years, the facility has become a center for research, innovation, and commercialization of premium horticultural products, while continuously improving cultivation techniques and product quality to meet market demand.

Through the launch of the TEFA Green House Melon Picking Tourism program, POLIJE demonstrates how vocational education can successfully integrate academic learning, applied research, community engagement, and agribusiness innovation. The initiative not only provides an enjoyable educational destination for the public but also strengthens POLIJE's role in promoting sustainable agriculture, experiential learning, and the commercialization of agricultural technology in Indonesia.