The Production of Botanical Pesticides from Cigarette Butts: A Study of the Tunas Harapan Farmers Group at KM 20, North Balikpapan

Abstract

Cigarette butts are a type of waste that continues to increase in quantity and has the potential to pollute the environment. It is known that tobacco waste in Indonesia is abundant, amounting to 55,776.24 tons per year (Khalalia, 2016). The nicotine content in cigarette butts can be utilized as an active ingredient in plant-based pesticides that are toxic to plant pests. This community service activity aims to process cigarette butt waste into environmentally friendly natural pesticides while reducing farmers' dependence on chemical pesticides. The methods employed include collecting cigarette butts, mixing them with tobacco and warm water, fermenting the mixture for two days, filtering it, and testing the pesticide on the land of the partner group, the Tunas Harapan, KM 20 North Balikpapan. The processing yielded 10 liters of effective botanical pesticide for controlling whitefly pests on various crops such as palm, citrus, and chili plants. Effectiveness increased when garlic extract was added as a booster. The residue from the soaking process can be utilized as additional fertilizer. Results from the community service activity shared through a questionnaire indicate that 90% of the farmer group community agrees and understands that plant-based pesticides from cigarette butts are an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical pesticides. Thus, the use of cigarette butts as a botanical pesticide has proven to provide dual benefits: reducing environmental waste and supporting healthier and more economical sustainable agriculture.