The series of activities for the ACIAR HORT/2019/164 research project entered its third day with a field visit agenda. Following two days of intensive symposiums in Yogyakarta, participants were invited to directly observe citrus cultivation conditions in Purworejo Regency, Central Java, as part of efforts to understand the real challenges of Huanglongbing (HLB) disease at the farmer level.

The first visit was to a citrus nursery at CV Mitra Bibit, Kemiri District, where participants could observe the citrus seedling production process and discuss HLB prevention strategies with farmers and field technicians from the early stages of cultivation. The discussion highlighted the importance of using healthy and tolerant rootstock, as well as implementing orchard sanitation standards to reduce the risk of disease spread. read more

The second day of the Workshop on Preparedness and Management of Huanglongbing (HLB), organized by the Faculty of Agriculture UGM in collaboration with the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), was held at PIAT UGM, Berbah, Yogyakarta, on Tuesday, April 21, 2026. The first session presented a series of materials highlighting extension policies, agricultural human resource development strategies, and best management practices to support the sustainability of the citrus industry. read more

In his retirement speech, Prof. Dr. Ir. Dwidjono Hadi Darwanto, S.U. expressed gratitude to lecturers, colleagues, and the entire academic community of the Faculty of Agriculture UGM. He reflected on his long journey of service, noting that nearly 63% of his life has been devoted to teaching and guiding students.
Prof. Dwidjono conveyed special appreciation to the Department of Agricultural Socio-Economics, which has been his academic home for many years. With humility, he also apologized for any shortcomings during his years of service.
He further emphasized the vital role of family in his career journey, extending heartfelt thanks to his wife for her unwavering support, particularly in his preparation for professorship. With her support, Prof. Dwidjono was inaugurated as a Professor in 2007.
This reflective speech became a touching moment for all attendees, reaffirming that an academic’s dedication is not only evident in scholarly work but also in sincerity, togetherness, and family support.
The retirement ceremony of Prof. Dwidjono was made even more meaningful by his speech, leaving an inspiring message for future generations of the Faculty of Agriculture UGM to continue contributing with integrity and a spirit of service. read more