Rubuha : Teknologi Pengendalian Tikus Sawah dalam Mendukung Pertanian Berkelanjutan Tim Pengabdiah RG Hama Tanaman Tropika

About the Project

Tikus sawah is a major pest that can reduce rice productivity, leading to crop failure and significant economic losses for farmers. Recurrent infestations in Kelompok Tani Tani Makmur III, Desa Jetis, Kecamatan Delanggu, have resulted in approximately 30% damage during each planting season. Previous control efforts, such as the use of poisoned bait, have provided only temporary relief and have not effectively suppressed rat populations.

In response, the Community Service Team from the Tropical Plant Pest Research Group (RG Hama Tanaman Tropika) at UNS introduced an innovative ecological solution: the Rumah Burung Hantu (Rubuha), or Owl House. This technology leverages the barn owl (Tyto alba) as a natural predator of rats, offering an environmentally friendly and locally sustainable method of pest control. Rubuha units are strategically installed in rice fields to optimize hunting by owls and reduce rat populations.

By minimizing pest damage, the project aims to maintain rice productivity and increase farmers' harvest yields. Additionally, Rubuha reduces dependence on chemical poisons, promoting safer agricultural practices for the environment. This innovation supports the development of a sustainable farming system.

Implementation

The project began with a training session on the bioecology and behavior of rice field rats, providing a foundation for understanding effective, eco-friendly, and sustainable pest control strategies through the use of Rubuha. During the event, the team also delivered and installed two Rubuha units in the fields of Kelompok Tani Tani Makmur III as a means of owl conservation and biological rat control.

The training was attended by members of Gabungan Kelompok Tani (Gapoktan) Tani Makmur, representatives from the Klaten District Agriculture and Food Security Office, the Delanggu Agricultural Extension Center (BPP Delanggu), the Village Head and officials of Desa Jetis, students from UNS (Plant Protection and Agrotechnology programs), UGM KKN students, and the entire RG Hama Tanaman Tropika Community Service Team. The event took place on June 29, 2026, at the home of the Gapoktan Tani Makmur Chair, Mr. Prayitno.

The training was led by Prof. Supriyadi, a member of the Community Service Team, with Mr. Hartono from BPP Delanggu serving as moderator. The event also included the symbolic handover of two Rubuha units, installed in the fields of Kelompok Tani Tani Makmur III, from the team leader, Dr. Retno Wijayanti, to the Gapoktan Chair, Mr. Prayitno.

Impact and Sustainability

The project supports several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through education (SDG 4 – Quality Education), farmers gain practical knowledge and skills in integrated pest management via participatory training and field practices. This approach positions farmers as active partners in the learning process.

The initiative also strengthens collaboration among universities, farmer groups, agricultural extension workers, and village governments, embodying SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). The use of Rubuha technology contributes to multiple SDGs:

• SDG 2 (Zero Hunger): Biological rat control helps maintain rice productivity, enhancing food security.
• SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): Reducing reliance on rodenticides promotes environmentally responsible farming.
• SDG 15 (Life on Land): Decreased chemical use supports ecosystem balance and biodiversity.

The project serves as a model for replicable, eco-friendly pest control technologies in other regions, advancing sustainable agriculture.