The Faculty of Agriculture at Universitas Gadjah Mada (Faperta UGM), in collaboration with Kasetsart University, Thailand, held an open guest lecture for the UGM academic community and the general public on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. The lecture was delivered online via Zoom Meeting by Dr. Chanita Boonmak from the Duckweed Holobiont Resource and Research Center (DHBC), Kasetsart University, Thailand.

The lecture, titled “Duckweed Microbiome: Unlocking Bacterial Potential for Environmental and Food Applications”, presented research findings from a collaborative project funded by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) under the Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development (SATREPS) program.

Thailand is home to four duckweed genera: Spirodela polyrhiza, Landolita punctata, Lemna aequinoctialis, and Wolffia globosa. Dr. Chanita explained, “Duckweed’s nutritional content varies depending on its environment. It contains fiber, lignin, protein ranging from 7–45%, and starch between 14–44%, all of which can be utilized by humans.” In Thailand, duckweed is cultivated for various purposes: Wolffia grown in clean water is used as livestock feed to improve egg yolk quality, it acts as a carbon sequestration agent by rapidly absorbing CO₂, serves as a starch substrate for biofuel, and can be processed into bioplastics and polyester.

“Duckweed’s high protein content is influenced by environmental conditions. It’s a fast-growing aquatic plant that requires minimal space but offers significant benefits for water and land ecosystems,” she added. According to her research, duckweed can thrive on water surfaces such as rice fields, lotus ponds, drying canals, and natural ponds. It can also grow in polluted or wastewater environments, including urban areas and designated wastewater ponds.

To enhance duckweed growth in wastewater streams, Plant Growth Promoting Bacteria (PGPB) can be utilized. Common bacterial phyla found in association with duckweed include Gammaproteobacteria, Alphaproteobacteria, Betaproteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria. Agricultural waste, particularly from livestock farming, often contains high organic matter such as chicken manure, feed, feathers, and wash water, typically treated in anaerobic wastewater tanks. However, nitrogen removal can be challenging, requiring additional treatment such as facultative ponds planted with duckweed.

Desi Utami, S.P., M.Env.Sc., Ph.D., a lecturer in Agricultural Microbiology and coordinator of the guest lecture, emphasized that this regular international lecture series aims to broaden students’ knowledge, spark curiosity, and foster global collaboration for Faperta UGM.

Through partnerships with Kasetsart University and Hokkaido University, Faperta UGM is expanding its understanding of duckweed and its vast potential for sustainable applications. This initiative also supports the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, SDG 14: Life Below Water, SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

Writer: Octavia Riezqi Yusandra  
Editor: Desi Utami   
Documentation: Media Faperta

The SC-STA 2025 Summer Course organized by the Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada (Faperta UGM), concluded with the final presentations on Friday, 8 August 2025. The AGLC Building of the Faculty of Agriculture UGM witnessed the enthusiasm of participants as they delivered their final works, marking the culmination of intensive learning and collaboration throughout the program.

The event was officially opened by the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture UGM, who warmly welcomed the participants and extended high appreciation to both the attendees and the organizing committee. “The Faculty of Agriculture UGM is always open to any opportunity for future collaboration,” said Ir. Jaka Widada, M.P., Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture UGM.

The agenda continued with presentations from eight participating groups. Each group shared the results of their studies during the summer course and engaged in interactive and in-depth Q&A sessions with judges and fellow participants. The presentations reflected diverse perspectives and creative solutions developed through the course activities.

The program concluded with an awarding session to honor outstanding participants and groups in three categories: Favorite Video, Best Group, and Best Poster. This served as an appreciation for their dedication and hard work throughout the program. The closing atmosphere was warm and filled with hope that the knowledge and experiences gained would continue to be applied in advancing sustainable agriculture in the future.

The SC-STA 2025 Summer Course was not only a platform for learning but also a space for participants to expand networks, share inspiration, and strengthen their collective commitment to environmentally friendly and sustainable tropical agriculture. This program also demonstrated the tangible contribution of the Faculty of Agriculture UGM to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Educatio, SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institution, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

Author: Rani Nur Rochim, Ghorizatu Shofra
Editor: Desi Utami
Photo: Media Faperta

The Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada (Faperta UGM) once again welcomed high school students for a campus visit. On Thursday, 7 November 2024, more than 300 students from SMA Darul Ulum Peterongan Jombang and SMA Qur’an El Tahfidh Bogor visited the Faculty of Agriculture at UGM. The students displayed great enthusiasm and curiosity in learning more about UGM and its Faculty of Agriculture.

The student delegation was warmly welcomed by Agus Sudarwinto, S.E., M.M., Head of the Administrative Office of the Faperta UGM, at the Prof. Harjono Danoesastro Auditorium. Several lecturers, including Dr. Adyatma Irawan Santosa, S.P., M.Sc., Dr. Najmu Tsaqib Akhda, S.P., M.A., and Susanti Mugi Lestari, S.P., M.Si., Ph.D., presented an overview of the Faculty of Agriculture and UGM to the students.

Dr. Najmu Tsaqib Akhda, a lecturer in the Agricultural Extension and Communication Study Program, shared his excitement about the students’ high level of engagement. Many students eagerly asked questions, with some even missing the opportunity due to time constraints.

“Today, we saw an incredible enthusiasm from the students. After the presentation, many of them asked questions. However, due to time limitations, we had to restrict the number of questioners,” said Dr. Najmu.

In addition to introducing the university and faculty, the team also provided guidance on choosing the right study program. The goal of this visit was to give students a clearer understanding of the various academic programs offered at UGM, helping them make informed decisions about their future education.

Hosting high school visits like this reflects Faculty of Agriculture’s strong commitment to supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly, SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. This initiative reinforces UGM’s dedication to providing educational outreach and fostering partnerships to inspire the next generation of students in their pursuit of higher education.

Author: Hanita Athasari Zain, Agrit Kirana Bunda

Editor : Desi Utami