As part of the third-day agenda of the Summer Course on Sustainable Tropical Agriculture 2025 (SC-STA 2025), the Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada (Faperta UGM), invited participants to take part in a field learning activity at the Merapi coffee cultivation center in Sleman Regency, Yogyakarta Special Region.

The activity was guided by Andrianto Ansari, S.T.P., M.Agr., Ph.D., and Dr. Priyaji Agung Pambudi, S.Pd., M.Si., who accompanied international participants from Singapore, Bangladesh, Gambia, Pakistan, India, Malaysia, and the Philippines. On this occasion, the participants explored sustainable tropical coffee cultivation practices in Cangkringan, Sleman. The robusta coffee grown in this area is not only a flagship local agricultural commodity but also plays a significant role in boosting the local economy.

Participants received comprehensive explanations on coffee cultivation techniques, from planting and maintenance to processing coffee beans into powder. They also learned about the role of Merapi coffee as an adaptive practice in response to climate change through waste utilization, as well as its function as a symbol of economic revival in disaster-prone areas by marketing products via marketplaces and nearby coffee shops.

“Merapi coffee is a real example of how local communities can manage coffee production from upstream to downstream by integrating waste utilization and marketing strategies,” explained Andrianto.

Beyond providing valuable field experience, this visit also contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, SDG 13: Climate Action, SDG 15: Life on Land, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

By presenting sustainable tropical agriculture practices rooted in local wisdom, SC-STA 2025 strengthens Faperta UGM’s commitment to nurturing a global young generation that cares about the future of the world’s agroecological systems.

Authors: Agrit Kirana Bunda, Ghorizatu Shofra
Editor: Desi Utami

The Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada (Faperta UGM), continued the Summer Course on Sustainable Tropical Agriculture 2025 (SC-STA 2025) on its second day, Tuesday, 5 August 2025, with an educational visit to Wanagama Eco Edu Park, located in Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta Special Region.

Participants from various countries, including Singapore, Bangladesh, Gambia, and the Philippines, were guided by Prof. Ir. Irfan Dwidya Prijambada, M.Eng., Ph.D., and Dr. Najmu Tsakib Akhda, S.P., M.Sc., to gain a deeper understanding of the functions and roles of Wanagama Forest in sustainable tropical forestry management.

“Today, the summer course participants were introduced to Wanagama, which plays a vital role in conservation, education, and sustainable research in tropical regions,” explained Prof. Irfan.

During the presentation session, Prof. Irfan shared a brief history and multiple functions of Wanagama Forest, highlighting its role not only as a conservation area but also as a living laboratory for students and researchers.

Following the presentation, participants embarked on a one-kilometer forest exploration, where they learned firsthand about biodiversity, agroforestry systems, and community-based forest management practices implemented in the area.

“I am very happy to explore this cool and refreshing forest today,” said one of the SC-STA 2025 participants from Gambia, West Africa.

The second day at Wanagama Eco Edu Park became one of the key highlights of the program, providing direct experiences and in-depth insights into the importance of sustainable tropical forest management.

To conclude the day’s activities, participants visited a cocoa production center at UPH Ngudiraharjo 2, Plosokerep, Patuk District, Gunungkidul. Here, they learned about the process from cocoa cultivation to chocolate production, which holds economic potential for local communities.

This activity also demonstrated a tangible contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 13: Climate Action, SDG 15: Life on Land, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

Author: Ghorizatu Shofra
Editor: Desi Utami
Photo: Media Faperta

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A community service team from the Faculty of Agriculture UGM (Faperta UGM), led by Dr. Alia Bihrajihant Raya, S.P., M.P., Ph.D., and joined by interdisciplinary faculty members—Prof. Subejo, S.P., M.Sc., Ph.D., Dr. Desi Utami, S.P., M.Env.Sc., Ph.D., Dody Kastono, S.P., M.P., Angga Prasetya, S.P., M.Sc.—along with undergraduate and graduate students, developed an innovative training program to improve soil fertility management using the Lentera DESA digital platform.

Lentera DESA is designed as an innovative educational platform offering training and discussion features to facilitate the dissemination of agricultural knowledge. Using a blended learning method that combines online and in-person meetings, this program aims to enhance the capacity of farmers and agricultural extension officers in understanding soil fertility management.

“Education and training on soil fertility management can now be conducted both online and directly in the field. With the advancement of digital platforms, sharing agricultural information has become more accessible,” said Dr. Alia Bihrajihant Raya, commonly known as Raya.

The training includes the use of the Rice Field Soil Test Kit (PUTS) to analyze soil nutrients and making homemade organic fertilizers. The program targets institutions such as the Agricultural Training Center (BAPELTAN) of Central Java, farmer groups, women’s farming groups (KWT), and extension officers. Activities began with socialization, focus group discussions (FGDs), digital literacy training, and on-site assistance.

Results showed that most participants, including traditional farmers, adapted well to the blended learning model. This approach opened up collaboration opportunities between digital technology and traditional practices, positioning Lentera DESA as a strategic solution for promoting sustainable agriculture. It also reflects the Faculty of Agriculture UGM’s commitment to supporting the SDGs, particularly SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, SDG 15: Life on Land, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

Writer: Agrit Kirana Bunda
Editor: Desi Utami
Documentation: Community Service Team