As one of Indonesia’s leading universities in sustainability, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) demonstrates its commitment to empowering local farmers and food producers through events that foster knowledge transfer and collaboration. By hosting programs such as open houses, training sessions, and international workshops, UGM bridges the gap between academia, industry, and rural communities. These initiatives not only promote innovation in sustainable agriculture but also strengthen local economies, enhance ethical farming practices, and address critical challenges in food security. Through inclusive and solutions-driven events, UGM creates opportunities for local farmers and food producers to connect with experts and access tools that support long-term agricultural development.
One key initiative was the UGM Agrotechnology Innovation Center Open House in September 2023, held at Berbah Garden, Sleman. The event, themed “The Role of Superior Seeds and Fertilizers in Supporting National Food Sovereignty,” aimed to promote food sovereignty by fostering collaboration between local farmers, industry partners, and academia. It included exhibitions, workshops, and partnership forums. UGM invited partners like PT East West Indonesia and PT Pupuk Indonesia to discuss agricultural innovations such as seed breeding and organic waste-based fertilizers, all designed to empower farmers and improve supply chain efficiency, crucial for food security.
Another significant event was the Cage-Free Livestock Management Training organized by UGM’s Faculty of Animal Science in collaboration with Global Food Partners (GFP) and PT Lion Super Indo held in November 2023. This program aimed to promote sustainable egg production (without cages) and supported six egg suppliers to Superindo. It highlighted the importance of helping small farmers adopt ethical farming methods while ensuring the availability of quality protein for consumers.
On September 17 to 21, 2023, UGM organized the FabCamp Challenge 2023 at the Field Research Center in Kulon Progo, Yogyakarta, from September 17-21, 2023. The event, which brought together 60 participants from 12 countries, focused on renewable energy, smart agriculture, and waste management. It facilitated collaboration between UGM, local industries, and government stakeholders to develop practical prototypes for local agricultural challenges. The initiative promoted innovation and sustainable farming practices.
Prior to the camp, UGM held the Pre-Departure Meeting for FabCamp, where participants from UGM, Kulon Progo, and other stakeholders discussed the core challenges of smart agriculture, renewable energy, and waste management. The meeting set the stage for the upcoming FabCamp by encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration and emphasizing the importance of innovation to tackle critical issues in the agricultural supply chain and food security. This initial gathering highlighted the interconnectedness of local and global agricultural challenges, laying a foundation for impactful, solutions-driven dialogue and action.
Building on this momentum, UGM held the Capacity Building on Huanglongbing Management Workshop 2023, which served as a platform for comprehensive knowledge sharing and skill development. The workshop combined Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), indoor theory sessions, project meetings, and field visits to address the urgent need for effective huánglóngbìng (Citrus Greening Disease) management. By involving local farmers, agricultural extension officers, and plant pest control experts alongside six renowned specialists from Australia (representatives from NSW DPI, Citrus Australia, and Western Sydney University), the program bridged international expertise with local practices to secure the citrus industry’s future in Australia, China, and Indonesia. This multifaceted approach underscored the value of collaborative learning and practical interventions in managing agricultural diseases.
Complementing these efforts, the Seminar on Research Outcomes by the UGM Center for Rural and Regional Studies focused on empowering farmers through research-backed strategies and innovations. The seminar not only raised awareness but also advocated for actionable solutions to strengthen farmer organizations, boost local economies, and advance food sovereignty. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, including government officials, academic experts, NGOs, and farmer communities, the seminar fostered an inclusive dialogue to ensure sustainable agricultural development across Indonesia. This holistic approach emphasized the critical role of cross-sector collaboration in addressing the challenges faced by rural agricultural communities.
References:
- https://piat.ugm.ac.id/2023/09/21/open-house-piat-ugm-forum-penghubung-akademisi-mitra-industri-dan-petani/
- https://ugm.ac.id/en/ugm-faculty-of-animal-science-and-super-indo-organize-cage-free-livestock-management-training/
- https://ugm.ac.id/id/berita/frc-sv-ugm-selenggarakan-fab-camp-2023/
- https://sv.ugm.ac.id/2023/09/07/ugm-fablab-jogja-gelar-pre-departure-fabcamp-challenge-2023/
- https://hpt.faperta.ugm.ac.id/focus-group-discussion-fgd-capacity-building-workshop-dan-project-meeting-tentang-managemen-huanglongbing-di-indonesia/
- https://pspk.ugm.ac.id/category/seminar/