The Faculty of Agriculture Universitas Gadjah Mada (Faperta UGM) team implemented a Community Service Program (PKM) titled “Empowerment of Farmers in Southwest Sumba in Anticipating the Locust Outbreak Through the Utilization of Locusts.” This program is a response to the locust outbreak incident (Locusta migratoria manilensis) that affected Sumba Island in East Nusa Tenggara Province in 2023. This PKM aims to provide solution-based extension services to farmers to anticipate and manage locust pests. The activity, which will run for 10 months, started on 29 February 2024, and will end on 9 December 2024. The program is led by Prof. Dr. Ir. Fransiscus Xaverius Wagiman, S.U. from the Department of Plant Pest and Disease, with team members Dr. Dyah Woro Untari, S.P., M.P. from the Department of Agricultural Social Economics, and Ines Citra Risqika, a student from the PKP program.

The extension service was held in July 2024 at the Southwest Sumba Regency Agriculture Office and attended by representatives from farmer groups, farmer leaders, field agricultural extension workers (PPL), and plant pest control officers (POPT). During the extension, participants were given knowledge about strategies for handling locust pests, including techniques for capturing and utilizing locusts as an alternative resource. Although the locust outbreak had subsided, this extension prepared farmers to face potential future attacks.

This program is fully supported by Faculty of Agriculture UGM through PKM grants and collaboration with the Southwest Sumba Agriculture Office. With financial support and the provision of facilities for the extension, the event proceeded smoothly and was enthusiastically welcomed by the participants. It is hoped that this extension can increase farmers’ knowledge and motivation to anticipate and manage locust pest attacks sustainably. This program also demonstrates the commitment of the Faculty of Agriculture UGM in contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, SDG 13: Climate Action, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

Writer: Agrit Kirana Bunda, Naomi Cahaya Dewi

Editor: Desi Utami

Photo: UGM Faculty of Agriculture Media

Dr. Mohammad Abdul Ghani, President Director of Holding Perkebunan Nusantara PTPN III, shared essential tips on how to become a professional with strong character. He delivered these insights to 286 prospective graduates of the Undergraduate Program at the Faculty of Agriculture Universitas Gadjah Mada (Faperta UGM), for the 2023/2024 Academic Year Period IV.The tips included eight key capacities that prospective graduates should develop,including Risk-taking, Curiosity, Managing diversity, Driving innovation, Networking, Digital leadership, Driving execution, and Self-differentiation.

Dr. Abdul Ghani emphasized that mastering these capacities would help graduates become future leaders in the professional world. “If you aspire to be a leader, these are the capacities you must hone and enhance. One crucial capacity, in my opinion, is curiosity. A strong sense of curiosity will lead you to become an innovative and creative individual, which is essential in advancing your career,” said Dr. Abdul Ghani during the preparatory session held on Monday, 26 August 2024, at the Prof. Harjono Danoesastro Auditorium.

He further added that courage in taking risks is equally important, provided it comes with responsibility and well-thought-out decisions. Dr. Abdul Ghani encouraged graduates to build meaningful networks and to step out of their comfort zones to grow professionally.

In addition to sharing tips for professional development, Dr. Abdul Ghani also discussed PT Perkebunan Nusantara’s (PTPN) strategic initiatives aimed at supporting sugar self-sufficiency and food sovereignty. The strategy revolves around strengthening ecosystems and empowering farmers. “As future graduates of the Faculty of Agriculture, you must recognize the vital role you play in contributing directly to the agricultural sector. However, remember that your GPA alone is not enough. Show your soft skills—because these will set you apart in the real working world,” he advised.

Dr. Abdul Ghani’s practical insights served as a strong motivator for the prospective graduates, reinforcing their commitment to achieving various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

Authors: Hanita Athasari Zain, Ghorizatu Shofra
Photo: Media Faperta UGM

On 9 August 2024, eight lecturers from the Agricultural Extension and Communication Study Program (PKP) at Faculty Agriculture of Universitas Gadjah Mada (Faperta UGM) took part in field studies, focus group discussions, and community service activities at Lumbung Mataraman in Banjaran, Guwosari, Pajangan, Bantul. This event was part of the 2024 National Seminar on Agricultural Extension and Development Communication, as well as the National Gathering of the Indonesian Association of Agricultural Extension, Development Communication, and Community Empowerment Study Programs (APP-KPPMI). The event carried the theme “Strategies for Managing Lumbung Mataraman as a Community-Based Food Security Platform.”

Alia Bihrajihant Raya, S.P., M.P., Ph.D., a lecturer at PKP UGM Study Program and general supervisor of the seminar and national gathering, explained the integrated objectives of the event. “This national seminar, integrated with the gathering and large-scale community service, is expected to serve as a comprehensive learning platform. It not only builds knowledge and attitudes but also enhances social competencies and directly contributes to community empowerment,” Raya said.

The event also served as a platform for sharing insights on management strategies and the role of local communities in ensuring the sustainability of Lumbung Mataraman. The initiative itself is a food sovereignty effort in the Yogyakarta Special Region, utilizing local land resources to meet food needs at the village level. It embodies the philosophy “Nandur Opo Sing Dipangan, Mangan Opo Sing Ditandur” (“Plant what you eat, eat what you plant”).

The field study began with a tour of Lumbung Mataraman, showcasing local food security initiatives such as land utilization, livestock and agricultural activities, community empowerment efforts, local food diversification, and integration with tourism and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The tour was followed by discussion sessions focusing on program strategies, sustainability efforts, and collaboration with relevant stakeholders.

Masduki Rahmad, S.I.P., Head of Guwosari Village, emphasized the need for synergy among key stakeholders to maintain the sustainability of Lumbung Mataraman. “The village plays a role in implementing policies at the local level, while the regency provides direction and policy mandates. The Kraton (royal palace), through special values and privileges, holds a strategic policy role based on local wisdom to ensure sustainability. Meanwhile, the university acts as a center for research, education, and community empowerment. Through this collaboration, we can maximize village potential, identify existing issues, and find solutions through synergy between these four key parties,” Masduki explained.

This activity also reflected the commitment of the Faculty of Agriculture, UGM, to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 15: Life on Land, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

Writer: Agrit Kirana Bunda, Ghorizatu Shofra
Editor: Desi Utami
Documentation: Event Committee