The Communication Forum for Young Farmers/Millennial Farmers themed “Young Farmers of Jogja: Creating Innovation, Weaving Food Security, and Responding to Global Economic Dynamics” was successfully held by the UPTD Balai Pengembangan SDM Pertanian (Agricultural HR Development Center), Department of Agriculture and Food Security of DIY. This event served as a strategic platform for young farmers to sharpen their digital skills, strengthen group dynamics, and build local food security amid global economic challenges.
The forum took place on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at Dusun Bergan RT 07, Wijirejo, Pandak, Bantul, Yogyakarta, with high enthusiasm from participants. Attendees included millennial farmers, young members of the Women’s Farmer Group (KWT), and the Bergan Hamlet PKK, who actively engaged in discussions. The familial atmosphere in the rural setting enabled intensive interactions and fostered intergenerational collaboration among agricultural stakeholders.
The resource person for the event was Wahyu Hermawan, S.P., as the POPT mentor, who discussed pest and plant disease control strategies. Faperta UGM contributed through Lentera DESA UGM, delivering material on utilizing digital media for group dynamics and farm business recording using the Lentera DESA platform. Participants were taught how to leverage blended learning features and digital tools to enhance farm efficiency, from land monitoring to e-commerce market access.
Participants showed great enthusiasm through numerous practical questions and immediate commitments to join as Lentera DESA UGM users. Many expressed interest in adopting digital recording to optimize their supply chains and financial analysis for farm businesses.
This event aligns with global economic dynamics, where Jogja farmers are encouraged to respond to commodity price fluctuations, climate change, and demand for organic food. Digital marketing materials help millennial farmers weave local food security through innovations like precision farming and sustainable value chains. The collaboration between UPTD Balai Pengembangan SDM Pertanian DIY and Lentera DESA UGM strengthens the agro-complex education ecosystem.
This initiative also reflects Faperta UGM’s contribution toward achieving several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1: No Poverty through strengthening the economic capacity of young farmers, SDG 2: Zero Hunger through sustainable food production and local food security enhancement, SDG 4: Quality Education through digital literacy and technology-based learning, SDG 5: Gender Equality through the active involvement of young Women Farmers Groups (KWT), SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth through youth farmer empowerment and competency development, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure through the utilization of digital agricultural platforms, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities through improved access to knowledge and technology for rural communities, SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production through sustainable agricultural supply chains, SDG 13: Climate Action through the introduction of adaptive agricultural practices and precision farming, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals through multi-stakeholder collaboration among government institutions, universities, and local communities in supporting inclusive agriculture in the Special Region of Yogyakarta.
Writer: Rani Nur Rochim
Editor: Tantriani
Documentation: Lentera DESA UGM