14 October 2025
Anonymous Writer
FORESTRY PR — USU continues to demonstrate its commitment to supporting food security and environmental sustainability through the second-year (2025) Fostered Village Community Service (PPM) program in Simangulampe Village, Baktiraja District, Humbang Hasundutan Regency (Humbahas).
After the 2023 flash flood that struck the area, many residents’ farmlands became unproductive. However, this condition became a turning point for new innovation. The USU PPM Team presented an eco-friendly solution—transforming Lake Toba’s water hyacinth and organic waste into compost to improve soil quality and enhance productivity on limited land.
The activity, held on August 11–12, 2025, at the Simangulampe Village Hall, was enthusiastically attended by various community members, including women farmer groups, youth organizations, and village officials. The event was also attended by Baktiraja Subdistrict Head Sanggam Lumban Gaol and Simangulampe Village Head Lambok Simanullang.
In his opening remarks, the Head of USU’s Community Service Team, Dr. Oding Affandi, emphasized the importance of simple innovations to address local challenges.
“Water hyacinth, which has long been considered a weed, can actually become a cheap, eco-friendly, and easy-to-make source of organic fertilizer. With compost, communities can turn small plots of land into family food sources,” he stated.
Dr. Oding further explained that managing organic materials not only increases soil fertility but also helps maintain the cleanliness of Lake Toba by reducing the buildup of water hyacinth that disrupts the aquatic ecosystem.
Meanwhile, Simangulampe Village Head Lambok Simanullang expressed his appreciation to USU.
“We are very grateful for USU’s attention and assistance. This activity truly provides tangible benefits for our community, both in managing household organic waste and improving family farming productivity despite limited land,” he said.
During the workshop, two speakers delivered their presentations:
Dr. Ridwanti Batubara, who discussed agricultural strategies for marginal land through polybag planting, vertical gardening, and crop pattern management.
Nursaadah, M.Agr, who explained the process of making compost from household waste and water hyacinth—from chopping and fermentation to the ready-to-use stage.
“Water hyacinth grows very quickly, covering the water’s surface and reducing oxygen levels. By turning it into compost, we not only increase its value but also help preserve the Lake Toba ecosystem,” explained Nursaadah.
As part of sustainable support, the USU PPM Team also handed over composting equipment to the Simangulampe Village Government for community use. This initiative was appreciated by Baktiraja Subdistrict Head Sanggam Lumban Gaol, who regarded the program as highly strategic.
“The utilization of marginal land and the processing of water hyacinth into compost are concrete steps toward preserving Lake Toba while strengthening food security at the village level,” he remarked.
The event concluded with a hands-on compost-making session involving all participants. The residents’ enthusiasm was evident as they chopped water hyacinth, added activator materials, and placed them into provided composting bins.
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Through this program, Simangulampe villagers have not only learned to turn waste into useful products but also developed new awareness of the importance of sustainable agriculture based on local resources.
The collaboration between USU, the government, and the community is expected to establish Simangulampe Village as a model of green innovation in the Lake Toba area.
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