In the agricultural heart of Sumput Village, a transformative program known as HIDROMAS is empowering residents to become self-sufficient food producers. Launched in October 2024 by the Ormawa AcSES students of Airlangga University’s Faculty of Economics and Business, this program focuses on teaching villagers to grow fresh vegetables and catfish using hydroponic and aquaculture systems. By providing practical training in these modern farming techniques, HIDROMAS aims to promote local food security, generate income, and support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).
Efficient Production Through Hydroponics
The HIDROMAS program emphasizes hydroponic farming, a method that allows plants to grow without soil by using a nutrient-rich water solution. This system, particularly suitable for water-scarce regions, uses up to 90% less water than traditional farming while providing higher yields and faster growth. For communities like Sumput Village, where land and water resources are limited, hydroponics offers an efficient way to produce nutritious vegetables such as lettuce, spinach, and other leafy greens. This method has shown promise globally, with the UN Food and Agriculture Organization noting that hydroponic systems can produce up to 10 times more crops per square meter than conventional farming.
Integrating Fish Farming with Aquaponics
In addition to hydroponics, HIDROMAS introduced catfish farming using aquaponics, a closed-loop system that combines fish farming with plant cultivation. Here’s how it works: waste produced by the fish enriches the water with nutrients, which is then circulated to nourish the hydroponic plants. This sustainable method not only provides a continuous protein source from the fish but also significantly reduces the need for chemical fertilizers, as fish waste serves as a natural nutrient source for the plants. Catfish, chosen for their resilience and high market demand, are a valuable addition to the village’s diet and can be sold locally, creating an additional income stream.
Economic Impact and Employment Opportunities
With improved production efficiency and output, the HIDROMAS program has the potential to significantly boost local income. Villagers can sell surplus vegetables and fish at competitive prices in local and regional markets. As the program expands, it could also create new job opportunities within Sumput Village, particularly in modern agriculture, reducing unemployment and contributing to economic growth. Research from Indonesia’s Ministry of Agriculture suggests that similar initiatives have boosted local incomes by as much as 30%, demonstrating the potential for HIDROMAS to make a significant economic impact.
Building Knowledge and Sustainability
One of HIDROMAS’s core objectives is to equip villagers with the knowledge and skills needed to maintain these systems independently. Through hands-on workshops and seminars, residents learn how to manage hydroponic and aquaponic systems, monitor plant and fish health, and apply sustainable practices. This transfer of knowledge is crucial for ensuring that the village can maintain and expand its food production capabilities in the future, even without external support. By building technical and practical skills, HIDROMAS aligns with SDG 8, promoting self-reliance and empowering individuals with knowledge for long-term sustainability.
The HIDROMAS program in Sumput Village serves as a model for how local food security and economic resilience can be achieved through sustainable agricultural practices. By integrating hydroponic and aquaponic techniques, villagers can produce nutritious food efficiently, protect natural resources, and support their community’s economic development. With the backing of the SDGs Center at Airlangga University, HIDROMAS has set a benchmark for similar initiatives across Indonesia, showing that small villages can become self-reliant communities with access to modern agricultural technology.
