The Faculty of Agriculture at Universitas Sumatera Utara (FP USU), through its Plant Clinic Student Organization (UKM Klinik Tanaman), once again demonstrated its commitment to enhancing students’ knowledge and awareness of plant protection issues through the organization of Klintan Workshop 2026 under the theme “Fight Early: Secondary Metabolites for Plant Protection.” The event was held on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at the Soeratman Hall of the Faculty of Agriculture USU and attracted enthusiastic participation throughout the program.
The event began with remarks from the Advisor of the Plant Clinic Student Organization, Triwanto Nababan, S.P., M.Agr., who emphasized the important role of students in addressing modern agricultural challenges, particularly those related to plant health and protection. This was followed by remarks from Prof. Dr. Ir. Marheni, M.P., representing lecturers of the Faculty of Agriculture USU, who expressed appreciation for the event as a platform for scientific development, student capacity building, and strengthening collaboration in support of sustainable agriculture.
The workshop featured speaker Hilda Syarfitri Darwis, S.P., M.P., from the Medan Center for Plantation Seed and Plant Protection (Balai Besar Perbenihan dan Proteksi Tanaman Perkebunan Medan / BBPPTP), with the session moderated by Nursa'adah, S.ST., M.Agr. The material presented discussed the utilization of Trichoderma spp.-based secondary metabolites as a more environmentally friendly and sustainable alternative for plant protection. The topic was considered highly relevant to current agricultural challenges, especially amid climate change and increasing resistance of plant pathogens.
Throughout the workshop, participants actively engaged in discussion and question-and-answer sessions. The interaction between participants and the speaker reflected the strong interest of students in innovation within the field of plant protection.
Klintan Workshop 2026 was also attended by agriculture students from various universities across North Sumatra, including Universitas Islam Sumatera Utara, Universitas Pembangunan Panca Budi, Universitas Satya Terra Bhinneka, Universitas Prima Indonesia, Universitas Santo Thomas, and several other higher education institutions. The participation of students from multiple campuses reflected the growing concern among younger generations for the development of sustainable agriculture.
Through this activity, the Plant Clinic Student Organization not only provided a learning platform for students, but also fostered collaboration, knowledge exchange, and stronger networking among agriculture students. The workshop is expected to serve as an initial step toward encouraging greater innovation and awareness of the importance of effective, adaptive, and sustainable plant protection in the future,