(Unila): University of Lampung (Unila) held the first harvest of melons and celebrated the grand opening of the Agro-tourism Garden of Unila, Jl. Soemantri Brojonegoro, Bandarlampung, Wednesday (2/9/2020) morning.
The Rector of Unila officially opened the event, Prof. Dr. Karomani, M.Sc., witnessed by campus leaders, officials, and business partners.
This first harvest was a part of implementing the Three Pillars of Higher Education of the University of Lampung, especially for research and community service.
Melon Agro-tourism Garden is the collaboration between Unila Business Management Agency (BPU) and Barokah Kresna Farmer Group.
Moreover, the completion of Bakauheni-Palembang Toll Road allows a massive flow of tourists to come to Lampung. Therefore, the concept of agro-tourism becomes a kind of Unila efforts in harnessing the high tourism potential.
This gardens function is as a platform for education and research on horticultural crops for both universities and public schools. Melon Agro-tourism Garden by Unila is one of campus supports to attain the Independent Farmers Program by Lampung Provincial Government.
Hopefully, the presence of this garden further may encourage the development of the agricultural sector in Lampung Province, particularly horticultural crops as a business opportunity with high economic value,“ said Karomani.
This Agro-tourism Garden also involves agricultural students in the management process. Not only developing Lampung agriculture, but Karomani also hopes that Unila Melon Agro-tourism Garden can become a best practice for Unila agricultural students for their practical experience before their graduation.
Furthermore, Melon Agro-tourism Garden by Unila is opened to the public from September 2nd to October 2020, with an entrance ticket price of only IDR 10,000 per person.
Visitors can enjoy the beauty of the melon garden, pick a picture, and feel the sensation of picking various types of melons, such as Sky, Rock, Golden, and Titanium.
However, the price of melons is varied. The range starts from IDR 10,000 to IDR 25,000 per kilogram depending on the type and size.
Nonetheless, there are several requirements applied. First, the officer will check visitors body temperature. Second, those who are allowed must apply the protocol Covid-19 prevention by keeping their physical distancing, using masks and hand sanitizers, and washing hands.
Above all, there is also a limitation on the number of visitors. There will be limited visitors to each session. Visitors make groups of ten. There will be a guide for each session. The guide will provide instructions on how to select the ripe melons and pick the melons. They will also facilitate the visitors with brief information on melon cultivation. [PR Team]
