Semarang, April 17, 2025 – A team from the Department of Physics, Faculty of Science and Mathematics, Diponegoro University (UNDIP) conducted a community service visit to Batur Village, Semarang Regency. This initiative marks an important first step in building a collaborative bridge between academia and local farmers, particularly in utilizing technology to support sustainable agriculture.
The team, led by Prof. Dr. Muhammad Nur, DEA, together with Qidir Maulana Binu Soesanto, Ph.D., and Fajar Arianto, M.Sc., received a warm welcome from the Head of Batur Village, Radix Wahyu Dwi Yuni Ariadi. This warm reception signaled the beginning of positive communication to foster cooperation between the university and the local community.
During the visit, the UNDIP team had the opportunity to observe potato seed cultivation using greenhouse methods managed by local farmers. This technology allows for the regulation of temperature, humidity, and light intensity, enabling healthier and more productive potato seedlings.
Beyond observation, the team also introduced the concept of plasma physics to the farmers. Plasma, known as the fourth state of matter after solid, liquid, and gas, is an ionized gas containing ions and free electrons. Its unique properties make plasma highly promising for applications across various fields, including modern agriculture.
One of the innovations presented was cold plasma technology, which can be applied to:
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Sterilize seeds from bacteria and fungi without harmful chemicals,
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Accelerate seed germination,
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Enhance nutrient absorption,
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Modify seed surfaces to improve resilience against challenging environmental conditions.
According to the team, applying plasma technology in horticultural practices—particularly potato farming—holds significant potential to improve productivity while supporting sustainable agriculture in mountainous areas such as Batur Village.
“Our hope is that this technology can be adapted and further developed by farmers so that it brings tangible benefits, both in terms of welfare and the advancement of local agriculture,” said Prof. Muhammad Nur.
This activity was not merely a brief encounter, but the beginning of a long-term collaboration between UNDIP and the people of Batur Village. Through the synergy of academic knowledge and field experience, plasma technology is expected to become an innovative solution to future agricultural challenges.
