Increasing The Income of salt Pond farmers in Bulu Cindea Village Thought the Development of Geo-membrane Technology

Abstract Salt production plays a crucial role in sustaining rural communities, particularly in Bulu Cindea Village, where salt is considered a staple commodity. The community benefits from an abundance of raw materials, presenting significant potential for salt production. However, despite advancements in technology, the current methods of salt production remain inefficient, limiting both output and quality. This study explores the application of geomembrane technology in salt ponds to enhance production efficiency, increase farmers’ income, and improve salt quality. Through a community service program, salt farmers were introduced to the benefits of geomembrane technology, including faster crystallization, reduced contamination, and superior salt quality. Using geomembranes led to a significant production increase from 4000-4500 kg to 5000-7500 kg per harvest, with a corresponding rise in monthly income from IDR 17,500,000 to IDR 21,120,000. Economic analysis, including Return on Investment (ROI), shows that farmers can recover their initial investment in as little as 2.6 months, with long-term profitability supported by the durability of geomembrane materials. The evaluation results demonstrate a substantial improvement in participants’ understanding, as evidenced by an increase in test scores to 84% after the program’s implementation. While the benefits of geomembrane technology are substantial, challenges remain, particularly regarding the high initial cost and need for government support for broader adoption. This study highlights the potential of geomembrane technology to transform salt farming in rural communities, fostering economic growth and promoting environmental sustainability.