The Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) is actively participating in AgriFest 2024, organized by Centre for Agrotechnology Innovation (PIAT UGM), from 5 to 7 September 2024. On the first day of the event, Prof. Dr. Jamhari, S.P., M.P., a professor in Agricultural Socioeconomics at UGM, delivered a keynote address during a national talk show titled “Multistakeholder Collaboration towards Indonesia Golden Era 2045.”
In his presentation to an audience that included researchers, farmers, students, and vocational agriculture school students, Prof. Jamhari outlined the primary challenge of achieving Indonesia’s vision of becoming a developed nation while ensuring national food security. He emphasized the crucial need for collaboration and synergy among various stakeholders, including seed industries, fertilizer industries, machinery industries, and academic institutions.
“We cannot become a developed country if our national food security is compromised, which could lead to increased imports. Therefore, synergy and collaboration among stakeholders are essential,” Prof. Jamhari stated.
As a distinguished professor specializing in agricultural socioeconomics, Prof. Jamhari discussed the role of institutions, such as agricultural cooperatives, as platforms for collaboration among farmers and other stakeholders. Notably, Prof. Jamhari co-founded the BMT Barokah Agricultural Coop in Imogiri Timur, Bantul, in 1999, and served as a Chairman of the UGM Coop from 2006 for two terms.
Prof. Jamhari highlighted data showing that only 30% of farmers are active members of farmer groups, and a mere 4% are involved in coop institutions. Given that coop represent a primary form of collaboration for farmers, he reiterated the need to strengthen synergies between farmers and various levels of stakeholders.
Prof. Jamhari’s participation as a speaker at this national event underscores Faculty of Agriculture UGM’s commitment to achieving several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
Reporter: Hanita Athasari Zain
Editor: Desi Utami
Photo: Media Faperta UGM