JEMBER — Jember State Polytechnic (Polije) is assisting livestock farmers in Sidomukti Village, Mayang District, Jember, in processing cow manure into organic fertilizer. The program also encourages farmers to establish a livestock group to strengthen cooperation and develop their businesses.

Polije is implementing the initiative through its 2026 Community Service Program for Assisted Villages, funded by Non-Tax State Revenue (PNBP). The program follows up on cooperation between the Sidomukti Village Government and Polije’s Center for Research and Community Service (P3M).

Noor Asrianto, S.Pt., M.Sc., leads the community service team alongside Anang Febri Prasetyo, Agus Hadi Prayitno, and Khen Dedes. Three students—Yoga Nurkhоliq, Naufal Riszqi Hastama Eriyanto, and Ade Bayu Lesmana—also support the activities.

During the training, the Polije team taught residents how to produce local microorganisms (MOL) as a decomposition starter. The team then guided participants in processing cow manure into organic fertilizer for agricultural use.

This initiative offers livestock farmers an opportunity to increase the value of animal waste. Meanwhile, crop farmers can use the resulting organic fertilizer to cultivate plants and make better use of locally available resources.

Beyond introducing waste-processing techniques, the team also encouraged farmers to establish a livestock group. Through this group, farmers can share knowledge, strengthen cooperation, and develop joint businesses with members of the Tirta Melati Farmers Group Association (Gapoktan).

Prof. Dr. Ir. Rosa Tri Hertamawati, M.Si., IPM., ASEAN Eng., also supports the program as a mentor and facilitator for Sidomukti Village. She helps connect the village’s needs and potential with the expertise of Polije’s academic community.

Team leader Noor Asrianto explained that the program encourages residents to develop local resources productively. In this way, waste processing and stronger farmer organizations can help sustain livestock businesses.

“Through this Assisted Village Program, we aim to encourage residents to make productive use of the resources available in their surroundings. Processing livestock manure into organic fertilizer and strengthening farmers’ organizations are expected to serve as the first steps toward building more productive and sustainable livestock businesses,” he said.

Through this initiative, Polije strengthens farmers’ waste-processing skills while fostering collaboration. Ultimately, cooperation among the university, village government, farmer groups, livestock farmers, community facilitators, and students is expected to improve the self-reliance of the Sidomukti community.