UNAIR NEWS – In an effort to promote sustainable agriculture and eco-friendly waste management, the Student Executive Board (BEM) of Universitas Airlangga’s Faculty of Advanced Technology and Multidiscipline (FTMM), in partnership with the ARGON Community and UNAIR SDGs Center, launched a community outreach program titled AGRO NANOSHIELD. The initiative was held on Saturday, June 28, 2025, in Karangploso Hamlet, Ngerong Village, Gempol District, Pasuruan Regency.
Through the development of Nano Chitosan Fertilizer derived from waste scales of tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus), the team offered an innovative and sustainable solution for managing rice pests and improving crop yields.
Fish waste transformed into rice pest control solution
Nano Chitosan Fertilizer is produced from discarded scales of tilapia and snapper, materials often considered valueless. The fertilizer enhances plant resistance and reduces the need for chemical pesticides.
“This innovation not only curbs pollution from fishery waste but also promotes soil health and preserves agricultural ecosystems,” said Reza Alifah Azzahra, the project coordinator.
The nano-scale particles allow for efficient nutrient absorption and boost the plant’s immune system—all without relying on harmful chemical agents.
Learning Green Technology in the field
During the event, the team delivered an in-depth presentation on Nano Chitosan Fertilizer, covering its production process, dosage recommendations, and its effectiveness in improving crop resilience naturally.
Residents of Ngerong Village—including local farmers, village officials, and youth groups—actively engaged in the discussion, asking questions and sharing farming experiences. To reinforce their understanding, the team held a live field demonstration, allowing villagers to observe the fertilizer application process firsthand.
“The community was highly receptive to this technology. There is even talk of launching independent nano fertilizer production at the village level,” said Arya Rachman, Head of ARGON’s Biotech Department.
Innovative Nano Fertilizer production
The fertilizer production begins with extracting chitosan from fish scales through deproteinization, demineralization, and deacetylation processes. The extracted chitosan is then dissolved in acetic acid and combined with sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP) to form nano particles. The resulting mixture becomes an eco-friendly liquid fertilizer, ready for agricultural use.
Real impact and future goals
The AGRO NANOSHIELD program equipped local residents with knowledge on sustainable agriculture and highlighted the economic potential of fishery waste utilization. The initiative aligns with several UN Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).
“This spirit of collaboration is expected to inspire wider adoption of green technologies across other rural communities,” said Azzahra. (*)
Author: Nafiesa Zahra
Editor: Khefti Al Mawalia
