Peningkatan Pengetahuan Budidaya Lidah Buaya pada KWT Manunggal Kota Magelang

Abstract

Limited agricultural land in urban areas encourages the need to optimize yard land as an alternative for sustainable agricultural activities. One commodity that has the potential to be developed is aloe vera (Aloe vera L.) because it has health benefits and economic value that can be processed into value-added products. The Manunggal Women Farmers Group (KWT) of Magelang has developed processed aloe vera products, but the sustainability of these activities still faces obstacles in the form of limited availability of raw materials due to suboptimal cultivation practices. This community service activity aims to increase the understanding and capacity of KWT Manunggal members in cultivating aloe vera according to the characteristics of the plant and the conditions of the yard land. The service implementation method is carried out through socialization and interactive discussions supported by pre-socialization field practices. The material presented includes yard land utilization, planting media preparation, seed selection, planting techniques, maintenance, and control of aloe vera pests and diseases. Evaluation is carried out qualitatively and descriptively through observations about level of participation, active discussions, and the ability of participants to understand and re-explain the material. The activity’s results showed an increase in participants' understanding of aloe vera cultivation techniques and change in attitude. This is reflected in their increasing interest and commitment to implementing cultivation techniques in their yards. This activity has the potential to support increased availability of aloe vera raw materials and strengthen the sustainability of the Manunggal KWT processing business. Continued mentoring is needed to ensure the long-term sustainability of the community service activities.