MALANG, JURNALPOST – Group 5 of the Community Service Program (KKN) from Universitas Merdeka Malang (Unmer Malang) has constructed a bamboo-based greenhouse in Pandanrejo Village, Wagir District, Malang Regency. This facility was developed as a means for vegetable cultivation on limited land, serving as an effort to bolster community food security at the household level.
The program was carried out over one month, from July 31 to August 31, 2026. Implementation included land observation, greenhouse design and construction, planting, crop maintenance, and management training for members of the Ngragi Hamlet PKK (Family Welfare Empowerment) group.
The idea for the greenhouse stemmed from the current land use situation in Pandanrejo Village. Much of the agricultural land has been converted to sugarcane plantations, while many residents have shifted to working in the private sector. This has led to a decline in local vegetable production and an increased reliance on supplies from outside the village.
Through this program, students aimed to introduce the use of home gardens as an alternative for producing food needs independently and sustainably.
Food security is not only about the availability of food but also the community's ability to obtain, utilize, and manage food sources sustainably. Therefore, strengthening food security can begin at the household scale by utilizing available space around residences.
Ngragi Hamlet PKK as Primary Partner
The Ngragi Hamlet PKK group was chosen as the primary partner due to their active social engagement within the community. However, the group previously lacked an organized vegetable cultivation program.
By building the greenhouse, KKN students provided not only the physical infrastructure but also knowledge regarding cultivation techniques and greenhouse management, ensuring the project can be sustained by the community.
The greenhouse features a bamboo frame measuring approximately 5 meters by 2.8 meters by 3 meters. The roof and walls are covered with UV-resistant plastic to protect the plants from external weather conditions.
Inside, two tiered plant racks were installed on the left and right sides. The racks stand at heights of approximately 60 centimeters and 150 centimeters, while the center serves as a path for watering, plant inspection, and harvesting.
Bamboo was selected as the primary material due to its availability around the village. In addition to being relatively easy to obtain, bamboo is lightweight and can be assembled using simple tools such as saws, hammers, rope, and measuring tapes.
Cultivating Crops from Water Spinach to Ginger
A variety of food crops are cultivated inside the greenhouse, ranging from water spinach, chili, kale, eggplant, and green onions to ginger.
Water spinach, chili, kale, eggplant, and green onions are grown in polybags placed on the racks, while ginger is placed at the bottom of the racks to optimize the space inside the greenhouse.
The selection of crops was tailored to the community's daily food needs. Water spinach, kale, and green onions are used for household consumption, while chili and eggplant are common ingredients in various dishes. Ginger can be used as a cooking spice or as an ingredient for beverages.
Throughout the program, members of the KKN Group 5 from Universitas Merdeka Malang performed routine plant maintenance.
This care included watering, applying compost fertilizer, weeding, and monitoring for potential pests and plant diseases until the crops reached harvest time.
Encouraging Independent Cultivation
In the final stage of the activity, students held a session to explain the greenhouse construction and management system to PKK members and the residents of Pandanrejo Village.
During the session, students explained the construction process, plant arrangement techniques, the types of crops cultivated, and the benefits of using a greenhouse to support household food production.
The presentation was followed by a discussion and a question-and-answer session with the residents.
Through this program, students hope that the community will be able to develop vegetable cultivation independently by utilizing their own home gardens.
The bamboo greenhouse built in Ngragi Hamlet is expected to serve not only as a cultivation facility but also as a simple model for utilizing limited land to improve family food availability.
The program is part of the KKN activities of Group 5 from Universitas Merdeka Malang, supported by the Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM) of Universitas Merdeka Malang and the Pandanrejo Village Government.
Authors
Andik Pratama, S.E., M.E.
Galih Rasyid Fauzy
Ilaina Salsabila
Ni Kadek Alena Patrisia
Brigida Revalina Inggrid
Institution: Universitas Merdeka Malang
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