The final day of the Advanced Training in Plant Health: From Field Surveillance to Molecular Technologies, organized by the Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) in collaboration with the World Vegetable Center (WorldVeg), took place on Saturday, June 27, 2026. The closing program was designed to provide participants with direct field experience while introducing them to Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage.

The group traveled to Dukun, Magelang, for a Farmer Visit. Participants engaged in discussions with Mr. Pulung Widi Handoko, S.P., a chili farmer and alumnus of the Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture UGM. He shared practical insights on the challenges of horticultural cultivation and the application of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) at the farmer level. The sense of camaraderie was further strengthened as participants enjoyed lunch together on-site. read more

The Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada (Faperta UGM), together with the World Vegetable Center (WorldVeg), concluded the Advanced Training in Plant Health: From Field Surveillance to Molecular Technologies with a cocktail dinner on Friday, June 26, 2026, at the Harjono Danoesastro Auditorium, UGM. The closing event fostered a warm atmosphere of togetherness, enriched by cultural nuances as participants wore traditional attire from their respective regions.

The evening opened with a performance of the Tari Pendet dance by Prof. Ani Widiastuti and Ni Made Saveita Rajman, S.P., M.Sc., symbolizing cross-cultural unity. Traditional culinary delights added depth to the experience, including the Keraton Yogyakarta specialty Sangga Buana (Songgo Buwono), known for its philosophical meaning. read more

The Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada (Faperta UGM), together with the World Vegetable Center (WorldVeg), officially concluded the Advanced Training in Plant Health: From Field Surveillance to Molecular Technologies on Friday, June 26, 2026. The final day highlighted crucial topics on Seed Health and Integrated Pest Management (IPM), before closing with evaluation sessions and certificate presentations.

The first session, Seed Health & Diagnostics for Seed Systems, was delivered by Dr. Ram Khadka, Dr. Lourena Maxwell (WorldVeg), and Prof. Ani Widiastuti (UGM). The lecture emphasized the importance of detecting seed-borne pathogens and implementing seed health testing as a foundation for quality assurance in horticultural seed production. Participants then engaged in hands-on practice on seed health testing and disinfection techniques, facilitated by Dr. Khadka and Prof. Widiastuti. read more