The Community Engagement Program (PkM) Team of the Faculty of Biology UGM has carried out a continuation of the Community Engagement Program titled “Cultivation of Excellent Local Longan with Bee Pollinators Based on Integrated Farming to Enhance Community Productivity in Sinduadi Village” on Saturday, August 26, 2023. This village-based community engagement program is led by Drs. Ign. Sudaryadi, M.Kes., with faculty members Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. from the Faculty of Biology, UGM, and Tri Joko, S.P., M.Sc., Ph.D. from the Faculty of Agriculture. The conducted activities included guidance and training on cultivating Sleman Longan and Klanceng Bees, which took place at the Faculty of Biology, UGM, and the Sawit Research Center. The event was attended by 26 participants, including members of the Sinduadi Village Farmer Group (Gapoktan), Women Farmer Group (KWT), speakers, field agricultural counselors such as Syaiful Hadi, field technicians, lecturers, and students.
The event began with a presentation about Klanceng Bees (Trigona sp.) by Drs. Ign. Sudaryadi, M.Kes. including their food sources, breeding methods, and the products derived from Klanceng Bees. Klanceng Bees (Trigona sp.) are stingless honey bees that produce honey and propolis. The bees obtain their food from pollen and nectar. Pollen and nectar can be obtained from various types of plants, including banana, coconut, bridal veil flower, avocado plants, and more. The process of breeding Klanceng Bees begins with selecting bee colonies found in decaying wood or crevices in buildings. The Klanceng Bee colonies, once identified with a queen bee, need careful handling during colony relocation, which should consider the arrangement of eggs, propolis, honey, and the main entrance.
The program continued with a training session on Sleman Longan cultivation by Yusuf Sulaiman, S.I.P. The training covered traditional techniques such as budding and grafting, as well as hormone induction techniques. The hormone induction technique was demonstrated through practical examples, showcasing the process of inducing hormones through the root part of the Longan plant. Additionally, methods to counteract pests that can attack Sleman Longan plants were also discussed.
The socialization and training activities within this Village-based Community Engagement Program are expected to enhance knowledge and inspire the community to implement an integrated farming system that combines Longan cultivation with honey-producing Klanceng Bees, thus realizing product diversification and strengthening the local economy.