The Department of Agricultural Socio-Economics, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), continues to demonstrate its global relevance through the involvement of its lecturers and alumni in a collaborative research project funded by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR). ACIAR is an Australian government agency that commissions agricultural research for development to improve livelihoods and food systems in partner countries. The project, titled “Preparedness and management of huánglóngbìng (HLB) to safeguard the future of citrus industry in Australia, China and Indonesia”, brings together institutions such as UGM, the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI), and the Citrus Research Institute of Southwest University, China.
As part of the project implementation, the ACIAR 2025 Annual Review was held on Monday, 5 May 2025, at the Venture Room, 6th Floor of the Agrotechnology and Innovation Learning Center (AGLC), Faculty of Agriculture, UGM. The review brought together researchers and reviewers from multiple countries to evaluate progress and plan further actions related to combating huánglóngbìng (HLB), also known as citrus greening disease — one of the most devastating threats to citrus production worldwide.
Three individuals from the Department of Agricultural Socio-Economics at UGM played key roles in this initiative. Hanita Athasari Zain, S.P., M.Sc., an alumna of the Agricultural Extension and Communication undergraduate program (Class of 2019), presented her thesis research focused on the knowledge and skills of farmers in handling the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), the insect vector that spreads HLB. Her study contributes valuable insights into farmer-level readiness and targeted communication for pest management.
Dr. agr. Ir. Sri Peni Wastutiningsih, a lecturer in the department, highlighted the outcomes of a Training of Trainers (ToT) workshop conducted in February 2024 at UGM’s Agrotechnology Innovation Center (PIAT). This training, in collaboration with ACIAR and NSW DPI, engaged citrus farmers, agricultural extension officers, and pest and disease observers (POPT) from eight districts in Indonesia, focusing on sustainable strategies to tackle HLB.
Another faculty member, Hariyani Dwi Anjani, S.P., M.Sc., presented her preliminary findings from an economic analysis of intercropped citrus farming systems, based on in-depth interviews with farmers in Malang. Her work aims to develop a practical Excel-based template to help farmers assess the profitability of their citrus farming practices.
The contributions of these individuals from the Department of Agricultural Socio-Economics underscore the vital role of socio-economic research in developing integrated and people-centered agricultural solutions. Their work enhances not only the technical readiness of citrus stakeholders but also supports broader goals of community empowerment and sustainable development.
This initiative aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:
SDG 2 (Zero Hunger): by supporting sustainable food production systems and resilient agricultural practices.
SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): by promoting sustainable and economically viable citrus farming methods.
SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): through strong international collaboration involving Indonesia, Australia, and China.
Through cross-disciplinary expertise and global cooperation, the Department of Agricultural Socio-Economics at UGM continues to contribute meaningfully to solving complex agricultural challenges in a sustainable and inclusive way.
Author: Adhika Hafizh Prasada, S.P.
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