BUDIDAYA SORGUM BERBASIS IRIGASI TETES SEBAGAI SOLUSI PERTANIAN LAHAN KERING DI DESA BORIKAMASE, KABUPATEN MAROS BARU

Abstract

Sebagian besar masyarakat di Desa Borikamase, Kecamatan Maros Baru, Kabupaten Maros, berada pada usia produktif dan menggantungkan hidup pada sektor pertanian. Namun, curah hujan rata-rata tahunan yang hanya sekitar 412,03 mm menyebabkan keterbatasan air serta rendahnya produktivitas lahan kering. Untuk menjawab tantangan tersebut, tim pelaksana Program Penguatan Kapasitas Ormawa (PPK Ormawa) oleh Kelompok Mahasiswa Penalaran Ilmiah Universitas Hasanuddin (KM Pilar Unhas) melaksanakan program pengabdian masyarakat berupa pelatihan budidaya sorgum berbasis irigasi tetes sebagai solusi inovatif dalam meningkatkan efisiensi penggunaan air dan ketahanan pangan lokal. Kegiatan diawali dengan koordinasi bersama pemerintah desa dan mitra terkait, kemudian dilanjutkan dengan sosialisasi, penyampaian materi teori, hingga praktik lapangan yang melibatkan petani, karang taruna, dan anggota sanggar tani. Peserta diberikan pelatihan mulai dari persiapan lahan, penanaman sorgum, pemasangan instalasi irigasi tetes, pengaturan debit air, hingga monitoring pertumbuhan tanaman. Evaluasi dilakukan melalui pre-test, post-test, menunjukkan peningkatan signifikan pengetahuan dan keterampilan peserta terhadap teknologi hemat air, dengan nilai pre-test berkisar antara 0–84 (rerata 39,3) dan post-test meningkat menjadi 57–100 (rerata 77,5) (t = 5,09; P < 0,05). Selain dampak teknis, kegiatan ini memperkuat aspek sosial melalui pembentukan Sanggar Tani Borikamase, yang mendorong regenerasi petani muda dan kolaborasi masyarakat desa. Dengan demikian, program pengabdian masyarakat yang telah diinisiasi tidak hanya memberikan solusi adaptif terhadap keterbatasan sumber daya air, tetapi juga mendukung diversifikasi pertanian dan pembangunan sistem pertanian berkelanjutan di Desa Borikamase.   

Kata kunci: Sorgum, irigasi tetes, lahan kering, pemberdayaan masyarakat, Desa Borikamase.

ABSTRACT

The majority of the population in Borikamase Village, Maros Baru District, Maros Regency, is of productive age and relies on the agricultural sector as their primary source of livelihood. However, the average annual rainfall of only around 412.03 mm causes water shortages and low productivity of dry land. To address these challenges, the Program Penguatan Kapasitas Ormawa (PPK Ormawa) by Kelompok Mahasiswa Penalaran Ilmiah Universitas Hasanuddin (KM Pilar Unhas) implemented a community service program in the form of training on drip irrigation-based sorghum cultivation as an innovative solution to improve water use efficiency and local food security. The activity began with coordination with the village government and relevant partners, This was followed by socialization, presentation of theoretical material, and field practice involving farmers, youth organizations, and members of farmer groups. Participants were given training ranging from land preparation, sorghum planting, installation of drip irrigation systems, water flow regulation, to crop growth monitoring. The evaluation was conducted through pre-tests, post-tests, and field practice observations, which showed a significant increase in participants' knowledge and skills in understanding modern water-saving technology-based cultivation techniques. In addition to the technical impact, this activity also strengthened social aspects, especially through the involvement of village youth in the Borikamase Farmers Group, which encouraged the regeneration of young farmers and fostered enthusiasm. Thus, the community service program that has been initiated not only provides adaptive solutions to the limitations of water resources but also supports agricultural diversification and the development of a sustainable farming system in Borikamase Village.

Keywords: Sorghum, drip irrigation, dry land, community empowerment, Borikamase Village