For instance, global cereal production is projected to decrease by one percent by 2050, while the world’s population is expected to increase by one percent over the same period.

Dr. Bayu Dwi Apri Nugroho, an expert and researcher in agriculture, agrometeorology, environmental science, and climate change, is concerned about this condition. He believes that it has the potential to cause food insecurity soon.

“Food security is one of the strategic issues in national development, especially for a developing country like Indonesia with a large population,” he said at the UGM Faculty of Agricultural Technology (FTP UGM) Wednesday (Jun. 19).

According to Dr. Nugroho, attention to food security is necessary because it is closely related to social resilience, economic stability, political stability, security, and national resilience. 

Food availability must be built through increased domestic production capacity, improved food reserve management, and food distribution to bridge the gap between regions regarding production and needs.

For him, food issues are not only about economic problems but also political ones. The Indonesian people highly value national independence, including in the food sector.

One of the critical aspects of building food security is the availability of sufficient quantity and variety. Food reserves are a supply source that bridges the gap between domestic and regional production and needs.

“With such a function, food reserves must certainly be measurable, meaning their quantity must be known to facilitate planning and implementing food problem-solving programs,” he explained.

Dr. Nugroho emphasized that one aspect of achieving this is the availability of community food reserves and their ability to utilize existing food sources. The presence of food barns as community food reserve institutions has played a significant role in overcoming community food insecurity.

Area-based food barns are one activity that can be carried out by forming fostered farmers or area-based farmer groups in a village equipped with technology and intensive assistance from upstream to downstream.

One of the latest technological innovations related to the agricultural sector is the Internet of Things (IoT) technology. 

“This agriculture concept uses drones and sensor technology for soil and weather to analyze soil conditions such as temperature, pH, nutrient content, air temperature, humidity, and wind direction to provide accurate recommendations to farmers to avoid crop failure and maintain or even increase productivity,” he explained.

Due to the impact of climate change, which causes highly fluctuating, dynamic, and unpredictable weather, Dr. Nugroho mentioned that it is currently necessary to have fast and accurate information about environmental conditions in the field. He said technology is one of the pillars of the area-based food barn concept.

Dr. Nugroho explained that the integrated farming system in the area already has its stakeholders in the food barn, including suppliers of agricultural inputs as providers of inputs with products agreed upon in the food barn, banks, farming insurance, and technology providers that can be utilized by farmers, both in the field and post-harvest, including digital technology for selling farmers’ products.

Additionally, there are guarantees for the sustainability of food barns, which can be provided by the ministry or provincial government, facilitators, such as the local agriculture office, off-takers, as guarantees that farmers’ harvests can be fully absorbed in reasonable prices, and the farmers or farmer groups themselves as implementers within the food barn.

“Agricultural solutions will become real if we implement them comprehensively and integratively from upstream to downstream based on areas and with collaboration between the government, private sector, universities, and farmers as actors in the agricultural ecosystem. The presence of area-based food barns will ensure self-sufficiency and availability for the Indonesian people,” Dr. Nugroho concluded.

Author: Agung Nugroho

Image: freepik.com

Artikel Expert Proposes Area-Based Food Barns to Combat Food Insecurity pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

One manifestation of this commitment is the continuous contribution to increasing the number of farmers using Gamagora 7 rice, a rice variety developed by UGM researchers so that it becomes more widely recognized by the public. 

Dubbed an amphibious variety because it can be planted in rainfed drylands and paddy fields, Gamagora 7 is characterized by its suitability as an appropriate technology for tackling pests, diseases, and climate change in crop farming. 

In 2023, Gamagora 7 successfully passed market trials at nine locations in Central and East Java. Through collaboration with various parties, including the Directorate General of Plantations Ministry of Agriculture, it is now being introduced to other regions.

To optimize palm oil plantation land and increase the expansion of food crops, the Ministry of Agriculture, through the Directorate General of Plantations, has implemented the Palm Oil Intercropping with Food Crops Program (Kesatria), focusing on planting upland rice among palm oil plants. 

In line with this, as a commitment to achieving food self-sufficiency, on Wednesday (May 22), UGM delivered 400 kilograms of Gamagora 7 rice seeds to farmers in Serang City, Banten Province, through the Banten Agricultural Standards Implementation Agency (BPSIP). 

The ceremonial handover was conducted at the BPSIP Banten building, attended by the Strategic Management Bureau and the Agrotechnology Innovation Center (PIAT UGM) representing UGM, and was received directly by the Secretary of the Directorate General of Plantations, Heru Tri Widarto.

UGM Strategic Management Bureau Head, Dr. Wirastuti Widyatmanti, expressed her appreciation and gratitude to the Directorate General of Plantations for the opportunity to distribute Gamagora 7 rice seeds to farmers in Banten. 

“Gamagora 7 is the result of the hard work of researchers to produce a superior variety with a production potential of up to 9.80 tons per hectare,” said Dr. Widyatmanti.

She added that with an average yield of approximately 7.95 tons per hectare and a shorter harvest period compared to other varieties, Gamagora 7 is expected to improve the welfare of farmers in Serang, Banten.

Heru Tri Widarto, who also serves as the Regional Task Force Coordinator for Food Emergency in Banten Province, stated that the seed aid is being provided according to the directives of the Minister of Agriculture and the Director General of Plantations to support the expansion of food crop areas, particularly upland rice, in Banten Province. 

“This seed aid of Gamagora 7 is the first in Banten, and we highly appreciate UGM,” he said.

Heru Widarto added that several farmer groups plan to plant the seed aid in Serang Regency, Tangerang Regency, and other plantation areas. Utilizing plantation land for food crops can meet the community’s food needs and ensure food security in the future, significantly increasing farmers’ incomes.

Head of BPSIP Banten, Dr. Ismatul Hidayah, said that the Gamagora 7 rice seed aid would be highly beneficial for farmers in Banten Province, as awareness of using certified seeds is already very high. 

“Farmers’ knowledge of certified seeds is good, but we struggle to meet seed requests that sometimes reach 40 tons, while our seed production is no more than that,” he explained.

Dr. Hidayah stated that Gamagora 7 rice seeds would be planted on 3 hectares of land in May and gradually on 5 hectares in June. This initial phase of planting Gamagora 7 seeds aims to produce rice and increase the agricultural potential in and around Banten Province.

Author: Triya Andriyani

Photo: Ministry of Agriculture

Artikel UGM Supports Agriculture Ministry Program, Delivers 400 Kilograms of Gamagora 7 Rice Seeds pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

The competition, organized by the Malaysian Society of Agricultural and Food Engineers (MSAE), featured 65 Southeast Asian teams, including Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. 

The categories included Novice Mechanic, Amazing Race, Digital Poster Making, Video Presentation of Technical Tour, Cultural Performance, Waste to Wealth Innovation, and Exhibition for Young Agricultural Engineers and Technologists.

UGM sent five teams with 15 students to compete in the AE-ARC 2024, themed “Digital Agriculture: Driving Innovations for Sustainable Agro Food Production.”

After the competition, the UGM team received the Gold Prize Exhibition for Young Agricultural Engineers and Technologists Awards for their innovations, “Maggot Box for Sustainable Food Waste Solution” and “Affordable & Eco-Friendly Fresh Chili (Capsicum Sp.) Control Atmosphere Storage For Small To Medium Scale.”

Silver medals were awarded for the following:

– Silver Prize Exhibition Awards for the “SIMPOCUR (Smart Integrated Modification Of Microalgae And Hydroponic Culture);”

– Silver Prize Exhibition for Young Agricultural Engineers and Technologists Awards for “Smart Packaging With Traceability System For Extending Shelf Life Of Agro Food Products;”

– Silver Prize Exhibition for Young Agricultural Engineers and Technologists Awards for “Modified Eco Enzyme Fermentor With Chopper And Automatic pH Monitoring Sensor To Optimize Quality And Production.”

Dr. Andri Prima Nugroho, the UGM team leader and student advisor, mentioned that the team had been preparing well in advance through internal selection and intensive training to prepare materials and equipment for the competition. 

“This year’s AE-ARC competition involved more on-the-spot and digital activities, unlike previous years where materials needed to be prepared well in advance,” Dr. Nugroho told reporters on Tuesday (May 21).

For him, students’ participation in this annual agricultural and food technology convention is a platform for sharing knowledge and creative ideas about agricultural and food technology for sustainable agricultural advancement and addressing food crises. 

Dr. Nugroho expressed gratitude that the UGM team was able to adapt and maintain cohesion during the competition, enabling them to return with medals. 

“This year, the team’s ability to adapt and maintain cohesion was crucial to their success,” he said.

The Department of Agrotechnology, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Technology, Universiti Malaysia Perlis, hosted this year’s annual AE-ARC meeting and competition. One hundred ninety-five students from 65 teams from three countries—Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand—attended.

Participants from Malaysia included Institut Kemahiran Tinggi Perda, Universiti Putra Malaysia Serdang, Universiti Malaysia Kampus Bintulu, Universiti Teknologi Mara Arau, Universiti Teknologi Mara Jasin, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, and Politeknik Kota Bharu.

Participants from Thailand included Suranaree University of Technology and Maejo University, while participants from Indonesia were Universitas Gadjah Mada, Universitas Andalas, Universitas Brawijaya, Universitas Hasanuddin, and Universitas Mataram.

Author: Gusti Grehenson

Artikel UGM Students Shine at AE-ARC 2024 with Two Golds and Three Silver Medals pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

This latest innovation is being carried out on the rooftop of the Rachmiwati Building at Faperta UGM. The urban agriculture initiative involves building a greenhouse to cultivate melon plants.

On Wednesday (15/5), the Rector of UGM, along with the Vice-Rector for Student Affairs, Community Service, and Alumni, the Dean of the Faculty of Forestry, the Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy, the Dean of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, and the Dean of the Faculty of Geography had the opportunity to visit the rooftop and harvest melons.

Dr. Jaka Widada, the Dean of Faperta UGM, stated that planting fruit on the rooftop of the faculty building is a manifestation of developing healthy and profitable urban agriculture.

“By utilizing this rooftop, we hope it can be part of the regeneration of farmers and national food security,” he explained.

He reported that the melons harvested from the rooftop greenhouse can weigh between 3 and 4 kg each and grow for 65 days from planting. This result demonstrates that properly utilizing available space for plant cultivation can yield lush and healthy plants.

Rector Ova Emilia expressed her appreciation. She was impressed by the greenhouse used to grow Sweet Hami melons.

“This is an excellent initiative to utilize space that can be used for urban farming,” she remarked.

The rector hopes that the innovation of Faperta UGM can be adopted by other faculties or units within UGM. With such a model, space utilization in faculties or units can be optimized and contribute to a greener environment.

Author: Talita Salma

Editor: Desi Utami

Photo: Faperta UGM

Artikel UGM Faculty of Agriculture Develops Rooftop Urban Agriculture for Food Security and Healthy Cities pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

Recently, UGM, as a core member of the Southeast Asian University Consortium for Graduate Education in Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC), along with other member universities under The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), has received funding from ERASMUS+ to develop the Post Graduate Micro-Credential on Food Security & Climate Change (PMC FSCC) module starting in 2024.

UGM Vice-Rector for Education and Teaching, Professor Wening Udasmoro, stated that Kasetsart University, Thailand, is leading the development of the PMC FSCC module. UGM plays a role in developing micro-credential modules and promoting policy harmonization among consortium network universities within SEARCA. 

“UGM is responsible for standardizing micro-credential modules, ensuring quality content and learning processes, supporting regulations, and recognizing and transferring credits for PMC FSCC participants,” said Professor Udasmoro on Saturday (May 11).

According to the vice-rector, UGM’s involvement in developing the PMC FSCC module manifests UGM’s inclusive spirit in education by committing to open opportunities for the wider community to access and enjoy UGM’s science and technology through various open online learning platforms like ugmonline.id.

Professor Udasmoro and the development team target the PMC FSCC module to be fully accessible to the general public by 2025, becoming the best initiative in regional collaboration in Southeast Asia for knowledge development for the broader global community. 

“The module will be ready for public access in 2025,” he said.

Dr. Hatma Suryatmojo, the Director of Academic Studies and Innovations at UGM, mentioned that the development of the PMC FSCC involves nine universities in Southeast Asia, SEARCA, and two universities in Europe. 

This program continues the cooperation to develop a joint Master of Science program in Food Security and Climate Change funded by ERASMUS+ from 2016 to 2019.

The development of this online learning module also aims to utilize digital technology advancements to develop and offer widely accessible online modules to enhance competencies and skills in contributing to addressing food security and climate change issues presented through micro-credential modules at the postgraduate level. 

“The PMC FSCC module will be a tangible contribution from UGM in implementing sustainable development goals,” he said.

According to the director, the development of the PMC FSCC module aligns with sustainable development goals, especially SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Author: Gusti Grehenson

Artikel UGM Develops Online Learning Module on Food Security and Climate Change with Asian, European Universities pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

Not all nutritional and protein sources can come from plant-based products. One protein source developed by the Faculty of Agricultural Technology at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Dr. Rachma Wikandari, is the development of mycoprotein from Rhizopus oligosporus.

According to Dr. Wikandari, mushrooms are not vegetables, so their products cannot be categorized as plant-based. Therefore, the type of food she developed is a new type of protein source. 

“The mycoprotein from Rhizopus oligosporus mushrooms contains high fiber and protein content with low fat, so it can be considered a healthy protein source,” said Dr. Wikandari in her statement to journalists on Tuesday (May 7).

She explained that mycoprotein products from Rhizopus oligosporus have a protein content equivalent to eggs and milk. They are even proven to contain all the essential amino acids the body needs. However, the amount is lower than that of animal protein sources.

According to Dr. Wikandari, Rhizopus oligosporus has a complete amino acid content and is easy to grow on various substrates, thus reducing production costs. 

Compared to animal protein, which generally has good quality but is unaffordable for all segments of society, plant-based protein is affordable, but its nutrition, especially its amino acids, is incomplete. 

“A good-quality, affordable, and environmentally friendly protein source is needed. This motivates me to explore mycoprotein,” said Dr. Wikandari.

With the increasing world population in the coming years, the demand for protein is predicted to increase, especially in developing countries, hence the need for new alternative protein sources. For Dr. Wikandari, mycoprotein is an alternative outside of animal and plant-based protein. 

“I chose local Indonesian mushrooms, which are usually used in tempeh production, so they are proven safe for consumption,” she said.

The research on vegan products that began in 2020, according to Dr. Wikandari, has been published in international journals and seminars in collaboration with various campuses in many countries, including the University of Boras, Sweden; Universidade de Minho, Portugal; and York University, England. 

In 2022, in Singapore, Dr. Wikandari received the Young Scientist Award from the International Union of Food Science and Technology, a professional organization for food technology experts worldwide with approximately 300,000 scientists.

“Recently, I received an award from the Indonesian Food Technology Association (PATPI) in 2023, and currently, I have research and publication collaborations with Sweden, England, and Portugal. I have published 46 articles in international journals indexed by Scopus,” she explained.

Dr. Wikandari specifically sees potential in Rhizopus oligosporus mushrooms as a base for mycoprotein in developing meat substitute products. Her research has led to the creation of innovative mycoprotein products that are currently unparalleled in Indonesia.

While the development of these vegan products is still ongoing, Dr. Wikandari has observed a significant rise in recent years, particularly among younger generations in major cities embracing the vegan lifestyle.

Author: Gusti Grehenson

Artikel Award-Winning Innovation: UGM Scientist Develops Game-Changing Vegan Protein Source from Mushrooms pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

This initiative aims to provide an alternative to soybeans in tempeh production, highlighting the team’s commitment to sustainable agricultural practices.

“My team, alongside fellow students, is dedicated to exploring alternatives for soybeans in tempeh production through the cultivation of sword beans,” shared Sherly Rayhan Sinta Putri, representing the team on Monday (Mar. 4).

The sword bean planting endeavor seeks to inspire the community in Namu Village and encourage the widespread cultivation of sword beans.

“Sword beans, belonging to the legume family, are versatile creeping shrubs,” explained Sherly Putri.

She elaborated on the nutritional profile of sword beans, emphasizing their high protein content at 27.4 percent, complemented by 66.1 percent carbohydrates and 2.9 percent fat.

“Given their impressive protein content, sword beans hold promise as a viable substitute for soybeans in tempeh production,” she added.

Under the guidance of lecturer Eko Tri Sulistyani, the team undertook sword bean planting on a resident’s land in Polepoleloa, Namu Village.

Sherly Putri underscored the adaptability of sword beans to thrive in marginal areas characterized by high temperatures and humidity, making them well-suited for tropical climates.

“We aspire for the sustainable cultivation of sword beans, fostering food self-sufficiency in Namu Village,” she emphasized.

Author: Agung Nugroho

Artikel Students of UGM Initiates Sword Bean Planting Movement in South Konawe pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

Professor Siwi Indarti, a faculty member at the Department of Plant Pests and Diseases, UGM Faculty of Agriculture, emphasizes the critical role of nematology in advancing agricultural practices. 

She highlights the significance of open access to scientific advancements and technological innovations, along with enhanced regional and international research partnerships, in amplifying the positive impact of nematology on agricultural productivity.

“Nematology holds the key to agricultural enhancement. This underscores the importance of delving into the functional dynamics of nematodes within sustainable agricultural ecosystems to fortify food security,” she remarked during her inauguration as a professor in agricultural nematology at the UGM Senate Hall on Thursday (Feb. 29).

Professor Indarti underscores that a robust agricultural ecosystem ensures optimal productivity. Sustainable utilization of natural resources within agricultural ecosystems is pivotal for bolstering food security, particularly in developing nations.

She elaborates that food security encompasses three fundamental dimensions: availability, access, and utilization. Agricultural ecosystems are essential in directly or indirectly bolstering these dimensions by providing ecosystem services that facilitate agricultural production. 

However, practices such as land processing, farming techniques, and the indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides often undermine agricultural ecosystems, leading to diminished agricultural output.

“The multifaceted contributions of various disciplines, including nematology, are indispensable for fostering a resilient agricultural ecosystem that underpins food security,” she emphasized.

In her presentation titled “The Functional Role of Nematodes in Sustainable Agricultural Ecosystems to Support Food Security,” Professor Indarti elucidated how nematology, the study of nematodes, has evolved from initially focusing solely on nematode species detrimental to plant production to encompassing a broader spectrum of scientific inquiries. 

These inquiries are instrumental in addressing food security challenges, climate change impacts, and biodiversity conservation.

Nematodes, she asserted, represent a crucial component of Earth’s biodiversity, particularly in terrestrial environments. Their activities significantly influence vital processes within agricultural ecosystems, including organic matter decomposition and the carbon cycle. 

However, while certain plant-parasitic nematodes threaten plants during specific life cycle stages, many other nematode species play crucial roles in agricultural soil ecosystems.

“Therefore, while nematodes are often associated with detrimental impacts on plants, numerous nematode groups contribute significantly to the overall health and functionality of agricultural soil ecosystems,” she concluded.

Author: Agung Nugroho

Photographer: Donnie

Artikel Nematodes: Essential Players in Agricultural Soil Ecosystems pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

The Directorate of Research at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) delved into this topic during the second edition of the Kosmopolis Rempah webinar series titled “From Forced Labor to Petai Business: Spice Trade and Food Security,” held on Wednesday (Feb. 21).

“Spice cosmopolis refers to a zone or area, urban or suburban, directly or indirectly linked through dimensions of spice production, consumption, technology, science, economy, trade, and culture, thus forming a civilization,” explained Professor Mustofa. 

Historically, the spice routes weren’t merely trade routes; they facilitated cultural exchange and knowledge dissemination, shaping the world as we know it today.

The spice trade has a dark past, marred by atrocities. In 1621, the people of Banda Island faced a massacre at the hands of the Vereenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie (VOC) forces, who sought to control the prized spice resources. 

Following this tragedy, the VOC coerced laborers from various regions to work in the spice plantations, notably nutmeg, on the Banda Islands.

“The nutmeg plantations, known as perk/perken, were managed by perkeniers recruited by the VOC. Many signed up, including military veterans, to manage these plantations,” shared Dr. Umi Barjiah from the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, UGM. 

At the peak, there were 83 nutmeg plantations on Banda Island, among others, demonstrating the scale of exploitation.

Spices, mainly pepper, cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon, remain a cornerstone of Indonesia’s exports, which see high demand in European markets. 

According to Professor Djagal Wiseso Marseno, an expert from the Faculty of Agricultural Technology, UGM, leveraging this potential could bolster Indonesia’s food security, given its favorable geographical and agricultural potential.

“Indonesia faces challenges regarding food security, ranked 4th in the ASEAN Country Food Security Index, but our tropical climate and agrarian resources offer significant potential. The global market for herbal and dried spice is forecasted to reach $8.4 billion by 2028,” Professor Marseno elaborated.

Beyond traditional spices, unconventional yet high-potential items like petai (Parkia speciosa) and jengkol (Archidendron pauciflorum), known for their distinctive flavors, are gaining attention. These plants flourish in various regions of Java, albeit in micro-scale and scattered cultivation.

“The production and distribution of petai are still inefficient, impacting its quality. Transportation, for instance, is often bulk-stacked, affecting post-harvest quality,” noted Professor Supriyadi, a Faculty of Agricultural Technology, UGM lecturer.

This webinar aims to foster discussions to maximize the potential of domestic commodities, ultimately contributing to economic growth and bolstering national food security, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2 to end hunger. UGM remains committed to supporting initiatives for self-sufficient and sustainable communities.

Author: Tasya

Artikel UGM Examines Role of Spices in Food Security and National Growth pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

The Smart Agri Plant Factory, an innovative endeavor spearheaded by the Department of Agricultural and Biosystem Engineering within the Faculty of Agricultural Technology, heralds a new era of modern, intelligent, and sustainable agriculture. 

This cutting-edge facility is meticulously designed to meet the evolving demands for innovative and adaptable agricultural solutions. 

Armed with state-of-the-art soilless technology, including automated nutrient delivery systems, real-time water and air quality monitoring, precision lighting control, hydroponics, and artificial intelligence, the factory enables plant cultivation in a meticulously controlled environment.

“This setup enables agriculture to thrive indoors, shielded from the vagaries of weather and external environmental adversities,” explained Dr. Andri Prima Nugroho, the research coordinator at Smart Agriculture Research, during the inauguration of the Smart Agri Plant Factory at the Faculty of Agricultural Technology on Friday (Feb. 23).

The development of this groundbreaking technology, he continued, serves as a pivotal platform for advancing research and development in agricultural technology. 

Moreover, it offers a viable alternative to boost crop productivity, ensuring sustainable food security while concurrently curbing pesticide and water usage, thus minimizing the carbon footprint of agricultural practices.

Dr. Nugroho underscored that the research endeavors are centered on optimizing environmental parameters for diverse crop varieties, elucidating growth responses and plant behavior to tailor the Smart Agri Plant Factory to suit the specific requirements of varying ecosystems and geographical conditions. 

Employing non-contact and non-destructive plant growth observation technologies, encompassing both 2D and 3D methods, alongside studies on plant movement behavior, enables the assessment of plant conditions during cultivation in a controlled environment. 

“Armed with insights into optimal conditions and plant responses, diverse input parameters within agricultural ecosystems can be effectively implemented,” he elaborated.

This pioneering innovation is envisioned as a solution for global challenges like climate change, food security, and the imperative for land use efficiency. 

By amalgamating cutting-edge technology with sustainable agriculture principles, the Smart Agri Plant Factory aims to revolutionize the food production paradigm, rendering it more efficient, environmentally conscious, modern, and sustainable.

Professor Lilik Sutiarso, Chair of the Department of Agricultural and Biosystem Engineering, emphasized that the Smart Agri Plant Factory represents not merely an innovation but a paradigm shift in perceiving and managing food production in the foreseeable future.

“By offering intelligent and sustainable solutions, we aspire to make a tangible contribution to addressing the pressing global issue of food security and mitigating climate change,” Professor Sutiarso asserted.

Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Professor Eni Harmayani, expressed her profound appreciation for the inauguration of the Smart Agri Plant Factory, attributing it to the diligence and dedication of a multidisciplinary team comprising students, lecturers, and researchers at Smart Agriculture Research. 

This initiative was developed through interdisciplinary collaboration between the Department of Agricultural and Biosystem Engineering, the Agricultural Energy and Machinery Laboratory (EMP), and the Environmental and Agricultural Building Engineering Laboratory (TLBP) and fortified by the support of an industry partner PT Inamas Technology Synthesis (INASTEK).

“The advent of the Smart Agri Plant Factory is poised to catalyze further research endeavors in mitigating climate change. Moreover, it serves as a blueprint for intelligent and sustainable agro-industrial systems that can incorporate indigenous wisdom,” she elucidated.

UGM Director of Research, Professor Mirwan Ushada, expressed optimism regarding the role of the Smart Agri Plant Factory in advancing future flagship research at UGM. Professor Ushada delineated five translational and transdisciplinary flagship research areas, emphasizing food self-sufficiency, climate change, and environmental adaptation.

“The university is poised to bolster the development of the Smart Agri Plant Factory as a research and demonstration facility,” he affirmed.

Simultaneously, UGM showcased many other avant-garde agricultural innovations during the launch event. 

Dr. Radi, head of the Agricultural Energy and Machinery Laboratory, introduced cutting-edge technologies such as specialized agricultural drones for land monitoring and management, mapping drones facilitating topographic analysis and natural resource management, and 6-axis robotic arms offering automation solutions in harvesting. 

Furthermore, autonomous tractor technology facilitates highly efficient and accurate land processing, while various innovative prototypes stemming from research collaborations between lecturers and students were also unveiled. 

This concerted effort underscores the collaborative endeavors of research teams within the Department of Agricultural and Biosystem Engineering, with a vision to position the department as a nexus of excellence in modern agricultural technology development. 

By introducing these technologies, UGM is unwavering in its commitment to spearhead the transformation of agriculture into a more innovative, efficient, and sustainable epoch.

Author: Ika

Photographer: Donnie

Artikel UGM Launches Smart Agri Plant Factory to Propel Modern Sustainable Agriculture pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.