Organic Farming Innovation: Building Public Awareness of the Health and Environmental Benefits of Organic Farming

Farmers in Kelompok Tani Sukawargi 2, Sukawargi Village, Cisurupan District, Garut Regency face challenges related to their dependence on conventional farming that uses chemicals, which impact health and environmental sustainability. A community service program was then implemented to enhance the knowledge, skills, and awareness of the community regarding the benefits of organic farming. The training provided covered the basic principles of organic farming, organic fertilizer production, natural soil management, and pest control using natural ingredients. The training also educated farmers on the importance of transitioning from chemical-based farming to organic farming for the sake of health and environmental sustainability. The results of the community service showed a significant improvement in farmers' understanding of organic farming and organic product marketing. Farmers showed a high interest in applying the techniques learned and implementing broader product marketing strategies. Awareness of the impact of chemicals on health and the environment also increased. Furthermore, training on organic product marketing opened up better economic opportunities for farmers. Abstrak Petani di Kelompok Tani Sukawargi 2, Desa Sukawargi, Kecamatan Cisurupan, Kabupaten Garut menghadapi tantangan dalam ketergantungan terhadap pertanian konvensional yang menggunakan bahan kimia, yang berdampak pada kesehatan dan kelestarian lingkungan. Pengabdian masyarakat kemudian dilaksanakan untuk meningkatkan pengetahuan, keterampilan, dan kesadaran masyarakat tentang manfaat pertanian organik. Pelatihan yang diberikan mencakup prinsip dasar pertanian organik, pembuatan pupuk organik, pengelolaan tanah alami, dan pengendalian hama dengan bahan alami. Pelatihan juga mengedukasi petani tentang pentingnya beralih dari pertanian kimia ke pertanian organik demi kesehatan dan kelestarian lingkungan. Hasil pengabdian menunjukkan peningkatan signifikan dalam pemahaman petani mengenai pertanian organik dan pemasaran produk organik. Petani menunjukkan ketertarikan tinggi untuk menerapkan teknik yang dipelajari dan mengimplementasikan pemasaran produk secara lebih luas. Kesadaran mengenai dampak bahan kimia terhadap kesehatan dan lingkungan juga meningkat. Selain itu, pelatihan pemasaran produk organik membuka peluang ekonomi yang lebih baik bagi petani.