<![CDATA[This community service activity aimed to empower farmers through the utilization of biological control agents in integrated pest and disease management in Bambang Village, Wajak District, Malang Regency. The program was conducted using an educative-participatory approach involving training, hands-on practice, and limited field application. A total of 20 farmers participated in the activity. The results showed an increase in farmers’ knowledge, with an average improvement of 35% based on pre-test and post-test evaluations. Participants were able to understand the role of biological control agents such as Trichoderma sp., Beauveria bassiana, and Pseudomonas fluorescens in suppressing plant pathogens and supporting plant health. During the training, participants successfully performed the propagation of biological agents using simple local materials, with satisfactory microbial growth and minimal contamination. In addition, participants demonstrated a positive shift in attitude, indicated by a tendency to reduce the use of chemical pesticides and consider more environmentally friendly alternatives. Limited field application also indicated a positive response in plant condition after the use of biological agents. The activity suggests that participatory training combined with practical experience has the potential to enhance farmers’ capacity in understanding and applying biological control agents. However, further assistance is needed to support sustained adoption at the farm level. This approach can serve as a relevant strategy to promote sustainable agriculture, particularly in integrated pest and disease management.]]>
