On Wednesday, March 13, 2024, the Agricultural Extension and Communication Study Program, Department of Agricultural Socioeconomics UGM, held a Guest Lecture as part of the mandatory Agricultural Extension and Communication course. This event raised the theme “Agricultural Extension to Increase Motivation of Agricultural Human Resources” by presenting two speakers who are competent in their fields, namely Mrs. Rosalia Natalia Seleky, Ph.D. (Lecturer at Shimane University, Japan) and Mr. Opik Mahendra, S.P., M .Sc., (Head of Bapeltan Central Java). This activity provided in-depth insight to more than 350 students from all study programs at the Faculty of Agriculture regarding the important role of extension in increasing the motivation and skills of agricultural human resources in an era that continues to develop.
Mrs. Rosalia Natalia Seleky, Ph.D., brings a policy and innovation perspective from the country of Sakura. She enthusiastically shares her experience and knowledge in developing the motivation and skills of agricultural human resources through a targeted and effective extension approach. Meanwhile, Mr. Opik Mahendra, S.P., M.Sc., presented a deeply rooted local perspective. He raised awareness of the importance of extension in building farmers’ abilities and encouraged their enthusiasm in facing the challenges of the ever-evolving times.
This event is not just an intellectual meeting but also an important milestone in strengthening the connection between theory and practice in agriculture. Students are not only given knowledge but also inspiration to contribute significantly to alleviating existing agricultural problems. Not only is it academically relevant, but this activity also significantly impacts achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We are moving towards a more inclusive, sustainable, and competitive vision by empowering agricultural human resources through an extension approach.