On October 29, 2024, a team of lecturers from the Department of Agricultural Socio-Economics (Sosek) at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), led by Prof. Dr. Ir. Irham, M.Sc., collaborated with Kana Cooperative and the Agam Regency Government to introduce sustainable farming techniques for sugarcane cultivation. The outreach event, held at the Nagari Lawang Village Office in Matur District, Agam Regency, invited local sugarcane farmers from Kanagarian Lawang and Kebagarian Tigo Balai to participate.
The UGM team provided diverse expertise through their presentations. Prof. Irham, as Head of the Outreach Team, introduced the ringpit technique, a soil and water conservation method. This method involves creating a ring-shaped pit around the sugarcane plants, which improves water and nutrient absorption efficiency. According to Prof. Irham, this technique holds substantial potential to significantly increase sugarcane productivity while promoting long-term soil sustainability in Agam.
Other lecturers from UGM’s Department of Agricultural Socio-Economics also contributed valuable insights. Ms. Hariyani Dwi Anjani, S.P., M.Sc., discussed farm efficiency using the ringpit method, while Mr. Arif Wahyu Widada, S.P., M.Sc., introduced Rektanigama, an application for farm recording and analysis tailored to sugarcane farming. From the Department of Agronomy, Dr. Eka Tarwaca Susila Putra, S.P., M.P., reviewed agronomic techniques in sugarcane cultivation to support sustainable agriculture in the region.
This collaboration received strong support from Acting Regent of Agam, Dr. Endrizal, SE, M.Si., who praised the outreach as a significant step in advancing the Sustainable and Resilient Rural Development Program initiated by the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Cultural Affairs (Kemenko PMK). He emphasized the importance of partnerships between academics, cooperatives, and local government in advancing sustainable local agricultural sectors.
Kana Cooperative fully backed this effort, with Chairman Jonathan Danang Wardhana highlighting that the program aligns with the cooperative’s long-term vision to improve farmers’ livelihoods and independence. Additionally, Iliona Palomitta, Director of Kana Indonesia Industries, a Kana Cooperative subsidiary planning to establish a palm sugar factory in Agam, expressed hope that the ringpit technique would help farmers optimize their yields and support economic sustainability in Agam Regency.
This initiative reflects the objectives of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger – This effort supports local food security by helping farmers increase their sugarcane production.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – The ringpit technique introduces a more sustainable and efficient approach to farming that optimizes water and nutrient use.
- SDG 15: Life on Land – By implementing soil conservation techniques, this program also aims to preserve soil quality, supporting land ecosystems and enhancing agricultural productivity in Agam Regency.
Through this collaboration, Agam Regency is expected to progress in developing a sustainable and self-reliant agricultural area.
Author: Adhika Hafizh Prasada, S.P.
Admin of the Website for the Department of Agricultural Socio-Economics, Faculty of Agriculture, UGM