Unismuh Agrotechnology Students Educate on Corn and Water Spinach Cultivation to Students in Southern Thailand

UNISMUH.AC.ID, NARATHIWAT, SOUTHERN THAILAND — Students from the Agrotechnology Program at the Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Muhammadiyah (Unismuh) Makassar, Muh. Rusli Unding, introduced corn and spinach cultivation to the students of Samanmitwittaya School, Southern Thailand. Monday, June 15, 2026. The activity was part of the International Community Service Program Batch II, organized by LP3M Unismuh Makassar through the International Community Service scheme.

Through this activity, the students were introduced to the importance of plants for human life and the environment, as well as how agriculture supports food security. The education was conducted using an interactive approach that combined material delivery and practical activities in the field.

The activity began with an introduction and presentation on the functions of plants for human life, their benefits for the environment, and the importance of maintaining ecosystem balance through sustainable cultivation practices.

Rusli then introduced two food commodities that would be planted together with the students, corn and spinach. These two crops were chosen because they are easy to cultivate, have good nutritional value, and are close to the daily lives of the community.

In addition to learning about the characteristics of the plants, the students also received an explanation of the economic and health benefits of these commodities. They were introduced to basic cultivation techniques that can be easily applied at home or in the school environment.

After the theory session, the activity continued with a demonstration of planting techniques, starting from preparing the soil, making planting holes, placing seeds, to the process of watering. The demonstration was done directly so that the students could better understand the cultivation stages and make them more applicable.

The enthusiasm of the students was visible during the practical session. With the assistance of the students, they planted corn and spinach seeds in the prepared soil. This experience provided the students with the opportunity to learn directly and strengthen their understanding of the material provided.

In the implementation of this activity, Firman Ruandi Zafitra, a student from the Faculty of Architecture, Unismuh Makassar, also participated. He helped prepare the tools and materials, assisted the students during the practical, and supported the documentation of the activity. This interdisciplinary collaboration reflected the spirit of cooperation that is characteristic of the implementation of the International Community Service program at Unismuh Makassar.

Rusli said that this activity was a simple effort to introduce the world of agriculture to young people and to raise awareness about the importance of protecting the environment.

"We want the students to understand that plants have a very important role in human life. Through direct planting, the students not only gain knowledge, but also experience that can foster concern for the environment and food security in the future," he said.

Dr. Ir. Rosanna, M.P., Head of the Agrotechnology Program at Unismuh Makassar, appreciated the students' initiative in implementing scientific agricultural competencies in an international environment.

According to her, the activity showed that students not only mastered the theory of plant cultivation in the classroom, but were also able to apply it through education to the community. This kind of experience is considered important to form adaptive, innovative, and capable graduates who can contribute to sustainable agricultural development at the global level.

Similarly, Dr. Ir. Hj. Andi Khaeriyah, M.Pd., IPU, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at Unismuh Makassar, expressed her appreciation for the students' contribution in the International Community Service Program Batch II.

She said that the activity not only benefited the students in Southern Thailand, but also enriched the students' experience in understanding community education and service practices in a multicultural environment.

The International Community Service Program Batch II, managed by LP3M Unismuh Makassar, was attended by 30 students from various faculties. They were placed in schools and communities in Narathiwat, Pattani, and Yala provinces, Southern Thailand.

Through the education and corn and spinach planting activities at Samanmitwittaya School, the students of the Agrotechnology Program at Unismuh Makassar demonstrated that agricultural science can be an effective means of building environmental awareness, strengthening practical-based education, and instilling sustainable values in young people from an early age.