Water Hyacinth Organic Fertilizer from Juwana River

The Community Network for Caring for the Juwana River (JAMPISAWAN) is a community dedicated to preserving and sustaining the Juwana River in Pati Regency, Central Java. This 62,5 km long river is a source of livelihood for thousands of people who depend on fishing and agriculture. However, uncontrolled growth of water hyacinth has become a serious threat to the aquatic ecosystem in the Juwana River, Pati Regency.

Water hyacinth grows very fast and can be a serious threat to the balance of the aquatic ecosystem. Water hyacinth can clog irrigation channels, canals, and waterways and the risk of flooding increases. This plant also disrupts traffic in the waters, often fishermen's activities in Kali Juwana are often stopped because water hyacinth damages boat propellers. 

Water hyacinth also reduces water quality because it covers the surface of the water, reduces dissolved oxygen levels, and blocks sunlight, impacting the survival of other aquatic organisms. Water hyacinth can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes that carry diseases such as dengue fever and malaria. Not only that, this plant can also accelerate the process of shallowing because the roots and dead plants settle at the bottom of the water.

To control water hyacinth in the Juwana River, JAMPISAWAN with the support of the Nusantara Fund Direct Funding, began utilizing water hyacinth as a raw material for making organic fertilizer. This program includes training for the community on water hyacinth organic fertilizer processing techniques, construction of production houses, and procurement of production equipment such as shredders and sieving tools. Organic fertilizer from water hyacinth contains humic acid, an important substance that helps improve soil structure. In addition, water hyacinth organic fertilizer can reduce farmers' dependence on chemical fertilizers, lower production costs, and increase their agricultural yields. Fishermen are also helped because the cleaner river channels allow them to return to sea safely and comfortably.

JAMPISAWAN established a 4x6 meter production house in their secretariat. The first water hyacinth fertilizer product produced has been tested to fertilize 15 hectares of rice fields and shows great potential for further expansion. Organic fertilizer from water hyacinth not only creates new jobs for JAMPISAWAN members, but also brings benefits to more than 2.400 indirect beneficiaries, including traditional fishermen, farmers, and communities around the Juwana River.