On May 5, 2025, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) participated in a significant collaboration meeting with the Kulon Progo Government, held at the Menoreh Meeting Room in Kulon Progo Government Complex. The meeting was attended by the Regent of Kulon Progo, the Assistant Secretary of the Region, the Regent’s Expert Staff, the Economic and Natural Resources Division, the Agriculture and Food Office, and the Bapperida team. Also present at the event were Dr. Wiryanta, S.T., M.T., Vice Dean of Research and Community Service of Sekolah Vokasi UGM, Eko Prasetyo, S.Hut., M.Sc., Ph.D., Head of Research and Community Service Unit of Sekolah Vokasi UGM, and Dr. Nurulia Hidayah, S.Pt., M.P. as the FRC coordinator. This gathering aimed to discuss potential partnerships that could enhance agricultural productivity and food production in the region.
In his opening remarks, Prof. Dr. Mirwan Ushada, S.T.P., M.App.Life.Sc., the Director of the UGM Research Directorate, emphasized the importance of collaboration to optimize the benefits of the Field Research Center (FRC) of UGM’s Vocational School in Kulon Progo. He highlighted the proposal to promote melon as a flagship agricultural product in the region, which aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) focused on agricultural productivity and economic growth.
The discussion continued with a presentation by Dr. Nafis Khuriyati, S.T.P., M.Agr., who outlined the action plan for one of the Centers of Excellence (CoE) at the FRC, specifically the Melon Agroindustry in Kulon Progo. This CoE aims to establish a smart-agri FRC as a strategic and distinctive center for melon-based agroindustry, serving as a hub for interdisciplinary collaboration towards sustainable operations.
The Regent of Kulon Progo expressed appreciation for UGM’s contributions to the region, acknowledging the university’s role in enhancing local agricultural practices. He stated that this collaboration is expected to empower young farmers in Kulon Progo to learn smart-agri techniques from UGM, leading to improved melon cultivation practices.
Furthermore, the Regent encouraged all farmers in Kulon Progo to revitalize the agricultural sector, emphasizing its critical role in contributing to the local economy. He highlighted that by adopting innovative agricultural practices, farmers could increase their productivity and, consequently, their income.
The meeting also focused on civil society partnerships, which are essential for fostering collaboration between various stakeholders, including local governments, educational institutions, and the farming community. Such partnerships are vital for achieving the SDGs related to food production and economic growth.
As the discussion progressed, participants shared insights on the challenges faced by local farmers and explored potential solutions. The importance of training and capacity building for farmers was underscored, with UGM offering to provide workshops and resources to enhance their skills in melon cultivation and agroindustry.
In conclusion, the collaboration between UGM and the Kulon Progo Government represents a significant step towards enhancing agricultural productivity and food production in the region. By leveraging the expertise of UGM and the enthusiasm of local farmers, this partnership aims to create a sustainable agricultural ecosystem that benefits the community and contributes to economic growth.
The meeting concluded with a commitment from both parties to continue working together, ensuring that the initiatives discussed would be implemented effectively. This collaboration is expected to pave the way for a brighter future for agriculture in Kulon Progo, ultimately benefiting the local economy and society as a whole.