The Faculty of Agriculture at Universitas Gadjah Mada (Faperta UGM) invited 16 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) under its mentorship to participate in the Family Gathering 2024, held on Sunday, 22 September 2024. This event, which was part of UGM’s 78th anniversary celebrations, saw the MSMEs set up a vibrant bazaar to showcase and sell their signature products.
Each participating MSME introduced items produced under the guidance of faculty members, highlighting innovative products derived from agricultural resources. Among the unique offerings was a product by the Ngudi Lestari Women’s Farmer Group (KWT), which featured a creative take on agricultural waste—banana stem-based, abon (shredded dried meat). Additionally, the Sambirejo KWT presented ecoprint fabric, further showcasing the creative potential within sustainable agricultural practices.
The bazaar was not only a platform for showcasing these products but also offered visitors, who were also Family Gathering participants, the chance to sample free testers. The product range included coffee, chocolate, herbal drinks (jamu), and various other agricultural goods.
The MSME owners expressed enthusiasm about their involvement, emphasizing the role that the Faculty of Agriculture has played in supporting their businesses. They acknowledged that the products they showcased were the result of continuous mentoring and assistance, from production to post-production, provided by the faculty. As a token of appreciation, the MSMEs were grateful for the opportunity to participate in such an event and bring their products to a wider audience.
“I hope that the Faculty of Agriculture UGM will continue to provide innovation and knowledge to farmers and the local community,” said Murti, a member of the Ngudi Lestari Women’s Farmer Group.
The participation of these MSMEs in the Family Gathering aligns with several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
Reporter: Yomita Misya and Hanita Athasari Zain
Editor: Desi Utami
Photo: Media Faperta UGM