Indonesia, a nation with immense agricultural potential, faces persistent challenges in achieving food security. Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) is committed to addressing these challenges by empowering farmers and food producers with innovative technologies, skills, and knowledge. From sustainable farming practices to advanced agricultural tools, UGM’s initiatives foster resilience, improve productivity, and bridge the gap between farmers and markets. These efforts not only enhance food security but also promote sustainable development, ensuring a brighter future for Indonesia’s agricultural communities.
Indonesia, a nation abundant in agricultural land and home to a vast farming community, faces a troubling paradox. Despite its potential, Indonesia ranks 77th out of 127 countries on the Global Hunger Index (GHI), with a score of 16.9 percent, and 7.2 percent of its population suffers from undernourishment. This stark reality highlights the urgent need to bridge the gap between potential and performance in food production and distribution.
Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) is committed to addressing this challenge by providing local farmers and food producers with access to cutting-edge knowledge, skills, and technologies in sustainable agriculture and aquaculture. Through a multitude of initiatives, UGM aims to empower communities to enhance productivity, ensure food security, and contribute to sustainable development, transforming Indonesia’s agricultural potential into a force for eradicating hunger and fostering resilience. All of these initiatives are offered free of charge to local farmers and food producers.
Access to technology for farmers
a. Quality Livestock and Seedlings
Access to technology and innovation is crucial for improving agricultural productivity and ensuring sustainability in the farming sector. UGM has taken steps to support farmers and food producers through cutting-edge research and collaborative initiatives.
In Central Java, UGM partnered with the Brebes Livestock Office and PT Indo Prima Beef to improve the Jabres cattle breed, a cattle breed local to Brebes, via artificial insemination research. The research aims to produce 1,000 high-quality calves. On top of that, UGM also provides grass seedlings for soil preservation near Mount Slamet to prevent erosion on the mountain slopes that are used for cultivating potatoes. Quality seedlings and genetic breeds are vital for food security because they directly influence agricultural productivity, resilience, and sustainability. High-quality seedlings ensure healthy plant growth, higher yields, and resistance to pests, diseases, and adverse environmental conditions. Similarly, improved genetic breeds in livestock enhance productivity through better growth rates, higher reproduction efficiency, and resistance to diseases. Research on high quality food sources is currently ongoing at the Agrotechnology Innovation Center UGM. For example, PIAT introduced the climate-resistant Gamagora 7 rice which yielded 9.6 tons per hectare and has already undergone market testing in East Java. Other technology innovations and research initiatives include the Faculty of Engineering collaborating with Yogyakarta’s Barokah Makmur Women Farmers Group on sustainable fish farming and UGM students developing Simagen, a supplement to boost livestock immunity against Foot and Mouth Disease.
b.Agricultural Cultivation Technology
UGM provides access to food security knowledge through innovative agricultural cultivation technologies tailored to local needs. From introducing natural predators to control locust swarms in Sumba, reducing pesticide reliance, to developing pest-resistant rice varieties that minimize crop damage and boost yields, UGM empowers communities to enhance productivity sustainably. In Sleman, UGM promotes eco-friendly practices through area-based organic farming, whilst simultaneously designing an automatic sparrow deterrent from plastic waste to crops while addressing environmental concerns.
c. Agricultural Tools and Machinery
UGM has equipped local farmers with modern tools and machinery. Modern tools and machinery are able to boost efficiency, productivity, and sustainability in agriculture. They enable larger-scale farming, optimize resource use, and adapt to climate challenges, ensuring a stable and sufficient food supply. Through the Department of Agricultural Technology, UGM has provided essential agricultural equipment to the Sedyo Rukun farmers group in Gunung Kidul to boost productivity. Similarly, UGM provided advanced machinery to Madiun farmers.
Access to technology and skills through training for farmers
Training for farmers is crucial for food security as it equips them with the knowledge and skills to adopt modern, sustainable practices that increase productivity and resilience. It helps farmers optimize resources, manage risks like pests and climate change, and improve crop and livestock quality, ensuring a reliable food supply for communities. The UGM Digital Transformation and Innovation team trained farmers in Bantul on digital marketing. In Kulon Progo, UGM students held a workshop on organic fertilizer production to promote eco-friendly farming. Other programs include developing coffee agribusiness in Lampung Barat and providing packaging skills to SMEs to improve product marketability.
Access to knowledge for farmers
Knowledge for farmers is essential because it empowers them to make informed decisions about sustainable practices, resource management, and modern technologies. With the right knowledge, farmers can improve productivity. UGM shares knowledge for farmers through initiatives such as the Student Community Service program, in which one of UGM’s units was deployed to North Maluku to support sustainable farming practice and maintain the genetic diversity of North Maluku as a spice region. Also in North Maluku, UGM is involved in the Kosmopolis Spice Development project to enhance spice farming productivity and biodiversity. UGM also works with Sleman district authorities to promote organic agriculture, emphasising its importance for long-term food security and policy influence. Furthermore, the Faculty of Animal Science trains farmers in livestock management, boosting sustainable agricultural practices in the region.
Access to food producers
Access to food producers is important for farmers because it creates direct links to markets, ensuring fair prices and reducing dependency on intermediaries. UGM organised training to improve food product marketability, such as packaging in March and diversifying food products with shallots in Gunung Kidul in October. In December, UGM supported poultry farmers in Sleman to improve egg quality and market access. Additionally, UGM students introduced nutmeg processing innovations in North Halmahera and conducted packaging and marketing training for small food businesses in Malangrejo. Furthermore, UGM’s efforts, such as assisting SMSEs in Sugian village with vacuum packaging, continue to support local businesses.
References:
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