DEVELOPMENT OF VERTICAL CULTURE CULTIVATION IN THE MUHAMMADIYAH STUDENT ASSOCIATION OF CANDI

General Background: Food security and independence are critical issues in urban
environments, where limited land poses challenges for traditional agriculture. Specific
Background: Vertical culture cultivation has emerged as a potential solution to
optimize narrow land for agricultural purposes, but its application remains
underutilized in many communities. Knowledge Gap: While many individuals possess
basic agricultural knowledge, there is limited familiarity with vertical culture systems,
particularly among youth organizations such as the Muhammadiyah Student
Association (IPM) in Candi District. Aims: This community service program aimed to
improve participants' understanding and skills in vertical culture cultivation to support
food independence on narrow land. Results: Through a structured process of
socialization, training, and mentoring, participants gained the ability to design and
implement vertical culture systems, leading to improved agricultural productivity in
terms of both quantity and quality of harvests. The program's evaluation showed a
significant increase in participant knowledge and the successful adoption of vertical
farming techniques. Novelty: This program uniquely demonstrates the integration of
technology and sustainable practices in vertical cultivation, providing a practical and
scalable model for urban agriculture. Implications: The success of this initiative
highlights the potential for vertical culture cultivation to contribute to food security in
urban areas, with opportunities for further development through continuous
innovation and broader community engagement. This program serves as a blueprint
for future urban agricultural efforts, offering a sustainable approach to maximizing the
use of narrow land in densely populated regions.