Amuntai, S Kalimantan (ANTARA) - A member of North Hulu Sungai (HSU) DPRD Junaedi admitted to be suprised to find out that wild plant susupan gunung contains useful ingredients for pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.
It was based on the research of academics of University of Lambung Mangkurat (ULM) Banjarbaru on susupan gunung or puteri malu raksasa (Mimosa Pigma).
"There are even compounds of anticancer. The distrit government should be serious about developing research on this plant to improve people's welfare," said Junaedi in Amuntai, Wednesday.
This weeds had so far distrupted transportation, become a problem for farmers when openng land, and caused floods to recede slowly.
"This plant has become an ecological disaster for our region," said Regional Secretary of HSU H Adi Lesmana when opening Focus Group Discusion of the result of ULM research at the Negara Dipa Amuntai Mess, Wednesday, June 7, 2023.
Adi said various efforts had been made by the local government and farmers to control susupan gunung, including chemical spraying using drone up to excavator to clear land and river path.
Related news: HSU considers drone to root out susupan gunung
ULM prefers control of these weeds manually using chopper boat created by metal craftmen in HSU.
"By chopping, the plants decompose in the water and don't grow anymore," said Chief Researcher from ULM Dr. Ir. Yusriadi Marsuni M.Si.
In fact, he said, fishermen in Banyu Tajun Dalam Villagefound pepuyu fish population increasing at the demonstration plot of research location.
The chopped susupan gunung in the water became nest for pepuyu fish and other fish species to develop breed. ULM researchers suggest developing eel fish farming because of its potential.
Previously, researchers from ULM Faculty of Agriculture presented the results of DNA tests showing that susupan gunung plants in HSU has the Latin name Neptunia Oleraceae comes from Switzerland.
ULM carried out research since February 2023 and presented their interim research results through FGD while absorbing aspiration from various parties.
ULM insisted the need for further research and publication of the research results in an effort to attract investors to use of susupan gunung plants for the pharmaceutical or cosmetic industry.
Related news: Farmers tend to burn land
