A community service team from the Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) has officially initiated the Assisted Village Program in Rabuhit Village, Gunung Maligas District, Simalungun Regency. This strategic move is designed to address the high costs of agricultural and livestock production in the region through the utilization of appropriate technology.
The head of the USU proposing team, Dr. Amlys Syahputra Silalahi, SE., M.Si., explained that the program was launched in response to local farmers' dependence on expensive chemical fertilizers and commercial feed. Furthermore, the accumulation of animal waste and crop residues that have not been optimally managed has triggered a decline in the quality of the residential environment.
To provide a concrete solution, the local community and farmer-livestock groups, supported by the Village Head (Pengulu) of Rabuhit, Rohiman, will receive periodic mentoring and skills training. The implementation of technology in the field includes utilizing pelletizer machines to produce self-reliant feed for catfish and chickens, as well as granulator machines to process cow and goat manure into organic fertilizer with commercial value.
The program, supported by the USU Community Service Institute (LPPM), involves multidisciplinary experts from various faculties. In addition to Dr. Amlys, the team is supported by Prof. Dr. Tulus from the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA), Ir. Peni Patriani and Ir. Tati Vidiana Sari from the Faculty of Agriculture, Helova Leonard Panjaitan, and Hendrik Voice Sihombing from the Faculty of Engineering. This empowerment project is planned to run sustainably until November 2026.
By adopting a zero-waste concept, this program is expected to reduce the daily operational costs of farmers while creating new independent business opportunities. This effort is also in line with achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in ensuring community health and promoting inclusive village economic growth.
