Empowering Students in Marginalized Environments Through Agripreneurship Literacy Based on Cultivation of Microgreens: A Case Study of an Indonesian Village in Thailand

Abstract

Students in the Kampung Indonesia community in Nonthaburi, Thailand, face limited land and limited access to economic independence in an urban, migrant environment. Meanwhile, the healthy food market in Thailand is booming, providing opportunities for premium agricultural products like microgreens. This Community Service (PKM) activity aims to improve agribusiness literacy and students' practical skills in cultivating microgreens as a high-value urban farming solution. The training implementation method is carried out through a participatory workshop method which includes the transfer of knowledge of nutritional theory, cultivation practices using plastic waste media, and business calculation simulations (pricing) for the local Thai market, activities are carried out in a hybrid manner. The results of the activity showed an increase in student understanding, as evident in the activities during the event. Students successfully transformed their perception of agriculture from a traditional activity to a modern, low-capital, high-return business opportunity. This program proves that microgreens cultivation is highly relevant as an economic empowerment strategy for marginalized communities abroad due to its land efficiency and fast harvest cycle, while also supporting independent food security for Indonesian students in Thailand.