JEMBER – A team of lecturers from Politeknik Negeri Jember (Polije) is encouraging residents of Karangpring Village, Sukorambi District, Jember, to develop the potential of their home gardens. The activity took place from July to September 2026 through a community service program.

The program was titled “Transforming Sustainable Food Gardens through Agrobiodiversity to Support National Food Security.” It involved women actively participating in the Family Welfare Empowerment (TP PKK) group in Karangpring Village.

Through socialization and training sessions, participants learned how to optimize their home gardens. These spaces can provide household food supplies while also creating opportunities for additional family income.

The community service team consisted of five Polije lecturers. They were Fadil Rohman, Rindha Rentina Darah Pertami, Tri Rini Kusparwanti, Suwardi, and Anggita Rizky Fadilah.

Team leader Fadil Rohman, S.P., M.Si., said that utilizing home gardens can start with simple steps. Residents can grow various food crops according to local environmental conditions.

“Utilizing home gardens can be a simple step that provides direct benefits for families. By growing diverse food crops, communities can improve food availability while also utilizing the economic potential of garden produce,” said Fadil.

In addition to crop cultivation, participants learned how to produce liquid organic fertilizer (POC) from household waste. The training taught participants how to process organic waste into materials that support gardening activities.

Participants also received training in packaging fresh vegetables for sale and digital marketing. The training helped them improve product presentation and promote their products through digital platforms.

Through this program, the Polije lecturer team encouraged participants to apply their knowledge sustainably. Growing diverse food crops can also preserve food resources and strengthen food security at both the household and village levels.