Department of Agriculture and Biosystem Engineering, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Universitas Gadjah Mada initiated empowerment program for Women Farmers Group in Selopamioro Village, Imogiri Sub-district, Bantul. The activity aimed to develop local food Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), especially for post-Covid-19 mitigation.
“In this community service program, we focus on strengthening local food MSMEs capacity in Selopamioro,” said the Head of Department of Agriculture and Biosystem Engineering, Faculty of Agricultural Technology UGM, Prof. Dr. Ir. Lilik Sutiarso on Thursday (6/8) during the event launching.
He said through this program, the local community is expected to be independent and increase the capacity of women farmers group in running local food MSMEs because the women farmer groups can contribute to supporting the development of the agro-tourism area in Selopamioro Village.
The activities of mentoring and fostering MSMEs in Selopamioro Village have been carried out since 2015. In its implementation, UGM collaborates with Yanmar Environmental Sustainability Support Association (YESSA) Japan and PT. Kliring Berjangka Indonesia (KBI). The activities include introducing agricultural technology (appropriate tools and machines), strengthening the capacity of production aspects, food quality and safety to marketing.
The launching of the Post-Covid-19 Women Farmers Group program is a form of kick-off for community service activity of Department of Agriculture and Biosystem Engineering, Faculty of Agricultural Technology UGM. At the event, aid for crushing soybeans and chopper for tempeh/bitter melon was also given to three MSME actors in Selopamioro.
“Selopamioro Village has the potential for local resources based on the agricultural sector. However, since the Covid-19 pandemic, the economy of the people here has also been affected, like other areas,” he explained.
He also hopes that this MSMEs development program will empower MSMEs to produce local food that is a superior commodity, such as packaged juice, tempeh chips, bitter melon chips, banana chips, fruit ice cream, and others. However, in the future, it is expected further to strengthen the capacity of local food MSMEs in Selopamioro.
Source: https://ugm.ac.id/id/berita/19854-ugm-berdayakan-kelompok-wanita-tani-di-bantul
