Refugia Flowers in Madiun; Pest-control Plants Turned into Agritourism Site

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Farmers in Klorogan Village, Kebonsari District, Madiun Regency of East Java, turned their agricultural land into an attractive agritourism site.

The village head Jupriyanto explained that farmers planted refugia flowers around their main crops, which was initially functioned as natural pest controllers.

“The agritourism site that we name ‘Manajemen Tanaman Sehat (MTS) Saben Klorogan’ is mainly designated as an educational site for farmers in Klorogan and other villages related to natural pest control,” said Jupriyanto on Sunday, Nov. 29.

According to him, other than as pest-control plants, the bed of the refugia flowers has aesthetic value and is a stunning place for taking self-photographs or selfies. As a result, the one-hectare park went viral and was flocked by tourists for the past few weeks.

The park managers, who are members of local village farmer groups, set up facilities and unique selfie spots for tourists, such as a photo spot with colorful refugia flowers and a tower built with woods.

Jupriyanto went on to say that farmers could save the cost of agricultural cultivation by using refugia flowers as environmentally friendly pest control. Besides, the flowers added economic value and increased the welfare of local farmers and the surrounding community.

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ANTARA