Overcoming the Expensive Price of Pesticides, This Student 'Transforms' Coconut Shells into Pesticides

Kapanlagi.com - Students from the Faculty of Agricultural Technology (FTP) at Brawijaya University (UB) in Malang are utilizing coconut shells as pesticides. Coconut shells, which are considered waste, are processed into the main ingredient for plant pest control labeled LIKE-TOK.

"Coconut shells contain lignin, cellulose, hemicellulose, and carbon sources, which can be used as raw materials for the production of liquid smoke," said Wakhidatul Fitriyah, Head of the LIKE-TOK Team, on Saturday (19/9).

These substances are effective in repelling pests such as rats, caterpillars, birds, and insects that disrupt plant growth. Therefore, farmers need them to protect their crops from pests.

1. Apply Training

Kapanlagi/Darmadi Sasongko

Wakhidatul admitted to have applied training in Sutojayan Village, Blitar Regency, which has abundant coconut shell waste. Together with her friends, Maulana A'inul Yaqin, Bakti Pertiwi Purnama Sari, Yohana Christine Tiurma Manurung, and Muhammad Usman Sihab, they developed training for handling organic waste, especially coconut shells in the village.

"The process is carried out with a pyrolysis tool. With this tool, the coconut shell will undergo combustion process at a temperature of approximately 400 degrees Celsius for 3-6 hours. After the combustion process, steam distillation will occur, followed by condensation process to form liquid smoke. This liquid smoke will be used as a pesticide," said Wahidatul.

Sutojayan Village itself, as a coconut-producing area, produces 15 tons of coconut shell waste per year. Some of the community utilize it for handicrafts, fuel, and the rest is discarded.

2. Beri Pendampingan

The training program, named LIKE-TOK, is also packaged online, providing assistance in the production of liquid smoke and by-products in the form of briquettes. This way, coconut shell waste is utilized and has value, even economically.

"Through this program, coconut shell waste can be reduced by 98.8% every month," said the 2017 student.

In addition to reducing environmental pollution, the community can also benefit economically from coconut shells. Currently, the income from the sale of liquid smoke pesticide and carbon fertilizer is Rp 5,519,900 per month.

Currently, temporary sales still utilize networks and online sales are being developed.

(kpl/dar/frs)