PALMOILMAGAZINE, TADUKAN RAGA – Lecturers and students from the Faculty of Engineering at the University of North Sumatera (UNS) conducted a public service program focusing on economic and social aspects in Tadukan Raga Village, STM Hilir Sub-district, Deliserdang Regency, on Thursday. The program, organized by Lembaga Pengabdian dan Pelayanan kepada Masyarakat (LPPM) UNS, was led by Prof. Irvan alongside an expert team and participating students.
The theme of the program, “Empowering Local Communities Around Palm Oil Mills Through the Integration of Palm Oil Wastewater and Empty Fruit Bunches in Household-Scale Biogas Production and Mushroom Cultivation in Tadukan Raga Village, STM Hilir Sub-district, Deliserdang Regency,” aimed to educate the community on how to utilize palm oil liquid waste and cow manure to produce biogas and cultivate Merang mushrooms.
Prof. Irvan explained that palm oil liquid waste and cow manure, often regarded as waste, can be processed into biogas, which can be beneficial for household use. The team and students demonstrated how to use a biogas stove to the local community, who responded positively. Additionally, the team provided training on Merang mushroom cultivation as an alternative economic opportunity.
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“The workshop was about to not only minimize the wastes but also to educate the people how to take advantages on waste as the environmental sources of energy,” Prof. Irvan said, as in the official information that Palmoilmagazine.com got, Sunday (25/8/2024).
It started by delivering materials about waste potential as the source of energy and continued by delivering demonstration about biogas. The local was very enthusiastic because during the demonstration, they were invited to try on the biogas stoves.
“The local was very enthusiastic to see every demonstration and they tried biogas stoves in persons. We also delivered counseling about Merang mushroom cultivation and should help increase the local’s economy,” Prof. Irvan said.
Head of the village appreciated the workshop. “We do appreciate the presence of UNS here. We were enthusiastic and hoping that the technology would increase the local’s knowledge and economy,” the head of the village said.
For having much material in the region, the program would be right on target and the public service should help the local to manage palm oil liquid and cow feces. They should take advantages on Merang mushroom to support the local’s economy better. (P2)
