Reservoir Farming Technique, A Smart Strategy to Face the Long Dry Season

JEMBER – Phenomenon The boy which is characterized by a longer dry season, the impact of which is greatly felt by farmers. Breakthroughs in agricultural production technology in the form of continue can be a solution to meet daily needs and be marketed widely.

The pond technique is the choice of agricultural practice for SMKN 5 Jember, East Java on a two-hectare land in the school environment. The varieties are vegetables, fruits and other production plants.

In terms of manpower, the school relies on students. As a result, the gardens they own not only generate regular income but also serve as a learning medium for students.

The reservoir technique was chosen because it is more efficient for water management for the care of annual plants such as vegetables and fruits. As a result, dozens of annual plants grow thickly and produce abundant production at the peak of the dry season.

During the rainy season, the reservoirs are filled with water from wells and rainwater catchments. These reservoirs are not only useful for irrigating plants during the dry season but are also used for tilapia cultivation.

Armed with a reservoir measuring tens of meters wide, the water needs of various plants in agricultural land during the dry season are still met. From the main reservoir, water is channeled using a pump to a number of tanks at several points. From these tanks, water is then distributed to the plant plots as needed.

The two-hectare land owned by SMKN 5 Jember was deliberately designed into sections to accommodate various types of plants. Not just two or three types of plants, but dozens.

The goal is for the harvest to last all year round and adjust to market needs, so that the selling value of the commodity is maintained. Plants cultivated include chilies, sweet corn, long beans, spring onions, eggplants, melons, watermelons and various other seasonal plants to serve demand in various regions in Jember and its surroundings.

Erika, a student at SMKN 5 Jember, said that harvesting on this land can take place every day because the types of plants are diverse and are divided according to their respective plots.

“There are vegetables, fruits and horticultural plants, there is also corn. It is not difficult to utilize the land, it is deliberately divided into plots because it is efficient. Some sell it under contract with hospitals, some with local traders. Currently, it is the season for corn, spring onions, melons, cantaloupe, chilies,” he said.

The superiority of the reservoir system was acknowledged by Bima Pamungkas, another student of SMKN 5 Jember. The availability of water in the reservoir makes the agricultural land in this place remain fertile even in the dry season.