The Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada (Faperta UGM) recently welcomed representatives from The United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences (UGAS), Iwate University, Japan, on Thursday, 28 November 2024. The visit marked a potential opportunity for international collaboration in research and education.

The meeting was attended by two representatives from Iwate University: Prof. Harashina Koji, Associate Dean of UGAS, and Aikawa Kazunori, academic staff of UGAS. From the Faculty of Agriculture UGM, attendees included Prof. Subejo, S.P., M.Sc., Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, and Collaboration; Prof. Dr. Ir. Benito Heru Purwanto, M.P., M.Agr., Head of the Department of Soil Science; and Tantriani, S.P., M.Agr., Ph.D., a lecturer at Faperta UGM and alumna of the UGAS doctoral program.

The discussion was held in a warm and engaging atmosphere, focusing on strategic collaboration opportunities in research, student and staff exchange, and double degree programs. Both universities plan to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalize and strengthen this partnership. The MoU is expected to serve as a foundation for expanding international academic networks and enhancing the quality of joint agricultural research. During the visit, an interview was also conducted with Tantriani, S.P., M.Agr., Ph.D., an alumna of the UGAS doctoral program at Iwate University and now a lecturer at the Faculty of Agriculture UGM.

Through this visit, the Faculty of Agriculture UGM and Iwate University reaffirmed their commitment to international collaboration. The initiative is a concrete step by both institutions to continue producing high-quality graduates. This aligns with the goals of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

Author: Agrit Kirana Bunda
Editor: Desi Utami

Prof. Subejo, S.P., M.Sc., Ph.D., a Professor at the Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada (Faperta UGM) in the field of Extension and Communication, addressed key issues and strategies to achieve national food self-sufficiency amidst global challenges. This was conveyed by Prof. Subejo during a national discussion held by the Gerakan Peduli Tani Nelayan (GPTN) with the theme “The Road to Indonesia’s Food Sovereignty” on Friday, 8 November 2024 via Zoom Meeting.

According to Prof. Subejo, the increasing demand for food driven by population growth is a major challenge that must be addressed seriously. Additionally, the phenomena of land grabbing and green capitalism are exacerbating the situation, as they often contradict the principles of food sovereignty, which prioritize the welfare of local farmers and equitable food access.

“In 2021, Indonesia ranked 69th in the Global Food Security Index (GFSI). This position was influenced by population growth, climate change, land conflicts, and inadequate infrastructure,” said Prof. Subejo.

During the discussion, the professor highlighted several solutions for achieving national food self-sufficiency, including the intensification of agriculture through modern technology, food diversification to reduce reliance on a single commodity, and the utilization of marginal lands to boost productivity. He also emphasized the importance of strengthening institutions and agricultural extension services to enhance farmers’ capacity to adopt innovations and support sustainable food security.

Prof. Subejo also drew attention to the issue of farmer regeneration, which is becoming increasingly concerning due to the lack of youth participation in the agricultural sector. In this regard, digital technology plays a vital role—one example being the DESA Apps developed by Faperta UGM, which provides farmers with access to information, innovation, and broader marketing opportunities.

The discussion underscored the importance of synergy among the government, academics, the private sector, and farming communities in tackling food-related challenges. Such cross-sector collaboration is expected to realize independent and sustainable food sovereignty.

The involvement of the Faculty of Agriculture UGM in these food issues serves as concrete evidence of its commitment to achieving several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

Author: Agrit Kirana Bunda
Editor: Desi Utami

The Community Service Team from the Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada (Faperta UGM), implemented a Digital Literacy and Nile Tilapia Cultivation Assistance program for fish farmers in Kalurahan Tirtoadi, Kapanewon Mlati, Sleman Regency. This program runs for six months, from May to November 2024.

The activity was led by Mgs. Muhammad Prima P., M.Sc., Ph.D., a lecturer at Faperta UGM, with support from eight lecturers from the Department of Agricultural Economics and Social Sciences and the Department of Fisheries, along with undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students from the Faculty of Agriculture.

The team leader, Dr. Muhammad Prima, explained that the goal of this program is to help farmers and local extension workers adapt to the digital era. This is important so that the cultivators can understand how to use gadgets and the internet to search for and filter agricultural information.

“Digital literacy is crucial to provide understanding of ethics and security in interacting in the online world, so they can wisely utilize technology to support agricultural and fisheries activities,” he explained.

Nile tilapia cultivation training becomes the main focus of this program. Participants will be taught how to make effective fish feed and choose the right feed to enhance cultivation results. Additionally, they will also learn about disease prevention in Nile tilapia to ensure the success of their fish farming business.

“We hope that this activity can enhance the technical skills of the cultivators, especially in making feed and preventing diseases in Nile tilapia to support the success of their business,” he added.

The program began with socialization with village officials, farmers, and local agricultural extension officers (PPL).

Next, a Focus Group Discussion (FGD), training, and direct assistance to the cultivators were conducted. To ensure the sustainability of the program, the community service team will also carry out periodic monitoring and evaluation.

Through this assistance, it is expected that the fish farming groups in Tirtoadi will better understand digital technology and increase their productivity in Nile tilapia cultivation. This program also serves as a concrete step by the Faculty of Agriculture UGM to empower the community and support sustainable fisheries development.

This activity reflects Faperta UGM’s commitment to providing real solutions to field challenges, both through technological innovation and strengthening community capacity, while also being a part of theFaperta UGM’s efforts to achieve the SDGs, including SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

Author: Agrit Kirana Bunda
Editor: Desi Utami