The Community Service Department of the Family of Agricultural Social Economics Students (KMSEP) at Faculty of Agriculture Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) recently held their annual Kidsfarm program at SD Negeri Potrojayan 2 in Prambanan, Sleman, Yogyakarta. This year’s event aimed to introduce the world of agriculture to elementary school students, focusing on cultivating interest in farming and addressing the pressing issue of low farmer regeneration in Indonesia.
The Kidsfarm program, now a staple of KMSEP’s community outreach efforts, specifically targeted fourth and fifth-grade students this year. The theme was the cultivation of kangkung (water spinach), a shift from last year’s focus on spinach. The program also included lessons on environmental sustainability, such as recycling waste into plant pots, to teach the importance of waste management alongside agricultural skills.
Intan Nur Khasanah, a student from the Agricultural Extension and Communication Study Program and Head of KMSEP’s Community Service Department, explained that while the core concept of Kidsfarm remains consistent – teaching students about growing vegetables – there are notable differences this year. “This year’s Kidsfarm is similar to last year’s in terms of concept, but we have changed the vegetable from spinach to water spinach and reduced the number of sessions from three to two. The first session focuses on planting and recycling waste, while the second is dedicated to harvesting,” said Intan.
The Kidsfarm program not only teaches agricultural skills but also promotes creativity and environmental responsibility among young students. This initiative is part of UGM’s commitment to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, SDG 15: Life on Land, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
Reporter: Karina Nisa Intan Kusuma
Editor: Desi Utami
Photo: Event Committee