This new TDCOP (Transdisciplinary Community of Practice) group named “Sorghum Sumber Rejeki (SSR)” which means “Sorghum is a Fortune Source” was founded in late January to harvest Sorghum in Molosipat Village, Gorontalo Province, Indonesia.

Sorghum is a flowering plant of the grass family (Poaceae) that is either cultivated or naturalized in pasture lands in Africa, Asia, and Australia, with certain species even growing on the islands of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It was used to make cereals for human consumption and pasture for animals.

Outbreaks and defective immune systems were common as a result of local goat breeders’ insufficient livestock management techniques, particularly in breeding and feeding. Likewise, goats should be immunized against parasites since they are more widespread in them. The high expense of vaccinations is another issue for goat breeders.

The goal of the SRIREP Project of the Research Institute for Humanity and Nature is to identify a way to reduce mercury pollution in ASGM related areas (the larger population is living in poverty in that region) by developing various TDCOPs that are keen to shift toward a new kind of sustainable regional innovations. Our project members will continue to work together with the local stakeholders to put this solution into practice.

Local farmers from two villages namely Molosipat Village and Sipatana Village, Gorontalo Province joined the Sorghum plantation in January 2022.

They had a plan to plant more sorghum plantation.

As of February 27, 2022, the farmers from Molosipat Village had harvested the Sorghum plant.

In the meantime, groups of farmers from Tamboo Village and Tabango Village showed their interest in the Sorghum plantation.

On March 25, 2022, UNG and BPTP are producing liquid sugar from sorghum stems in collaboration with local residents. BPTP provided two machines to process the stalks (chopping and squeezing machines).

According to the researcher from Gorontalo Province’s BPTP, the sweetness level of the liquid sugar was rather excellent, due to the fact that it was handled simply.

Mr. Amin, the Head of BPTP, Gorontalo Province, explained that local residents are becoming interested in sorghum cultivation. Because they are already aware that all portions of the sorghum plant are edible. Sorghum millet may be used in replacement of paddy rice in rice production, the stems can be pressed to obtain liquid sugar, and the squeezed stems and leaves can be utilized as animal feed.

Under the guidance of the school principal, Mrs. Erawati, and the Sorghum Group chairman from UNG, Mr. Agus, the students of Central Suwawa State Elementary School (SDN) No. 4 were given the responsibility of planting and caring for the sorghum plants that were to be planted behind their school. They planted sorghum on January 13, 2023, despite the fact that the terrain is rough and it is uncertain whether the plants would thrive.

Preparing the land (21st December 2022)

The land was split into three sections, with two student classes assigned to each section.

After a month after planting, the sorghum is flourishing. Hopefully, it will provide the intended outcomes. SDN 4 Central Suwawa will be the location for joint activities of 4 TDCOP groups in Central Suwawa, which is adjacent to East Suwawa, and significantly close to ASGM activities. The 4 TDCOP groups are Karawo, Sorghum, Natural Fiber and soon join Eco-tourism (Geosite in Lombongo).

Planting sorghum in Tulabolo village, Bone Bolange (2023.2.3)
(Photos source from Head of Tulabolo Village (Erick Steven Lingude)

Due to a scheduling difficulty, Agus-san, a leading member of this group, was unable to attend this activity. Nevertheless, he did donate the sorghum seeds that were to be planted, which he handed to Zulham-san (a member of Tulabolo) the day before.