From September 5-7, 2024, AgriFest 2024 was successfully organized by the UGM Center for Agro-Technology Innovation (PIAT) as part of the 15th UGM lustrum celebration. With the theme “Seeding Ideas, Growing Future: Adapting to the Era of Technological Disruption in the Agricultural Sector to Achieve National Food Security”, the event attracted around 600 participants daily and featured a variety of activities, such as a National Talkshow, Best Practice Talkshow, Workshops, Exhibitions, Healthy Exercises, a Rice Dish Innovation Competition, and more.
The Department of Agricultural Socio-Economics, Faculty of Agriculture UGM, played a significant role in this event. One of the department’s lecturers, Prof. Dr. Jamhari, S.P., M.P., was a speaker in the National Talkshow on the first day. He delivered a presentation titled “Strengthening Food Security Programs to Realize Indonesia’s 2045 Golden Vision,” discussing strategies to enhance food security amidst disruptive technological advancements. Prof. Jamhari, along with other experts like Mr. Suharno, S.P., M.P. and Mr. Wiyanto Sudarsono, enriched the discussion on innovations to face Indonesia’s food security challenges.
In addition to the lecturer’s contribution, students from the Department of Agricultural Socio-Economics UGM were actively involved in organizing AgriFest 2024. A total of 10 students from the department participated in the committee, taking on responsibilities ranging from event conceptualization, administration, equipment management, to security. This involvement provided the students with firsthand experience in managing a national-scale event.
Moreover, two students from the Agricultural Extension and Communication Study Program, Yeni Yuliati, S.P. and Havidah Tria Yunita, played key roles during the event. Yeni served as the MC during the opening of AgriFest, while Havidah acted as the moderator for the National Talkshow, demonstrating the students’ competence in managing and leading events involving diverse stakeholders.
The activities of AgriFest 2024 align with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). First, it supports SDG 2: Zero Hunger, with its focus on food security and technological innovation to ensure safe and affordable food access for all. The discussions and innovations presented aim to strengthen national food security in line with Indonesia’s 2045 Golden Vision.
Second, SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production was highlighted through the rice dish innovation competition, which emphasized efficient and sustainable use of food resources, waste reduction, and creativity in managing local food ingredients.
Lastly, AgriFest 2024 also supports SDG 4: Quality Education, by providing students with hands-on experience in organizing a national event, enriching their learning beyond the classroom. This experience strengthens the students’ skills in teamwork and communication within a dynamic and complex environment.
The involvement of the Department of Agricultural Socio-Economics UGM in AgriFest 2024 not only made a tangible contribution to the agricultural sector but also reinforced their commitment to sustainability through innovation and cross-sector collaboration.
Author: Adhika Hafizh Prasada, S.P.
Admin of the Website for the Department of Agricultural Socio-Economics, Faculty of Agriculture, UGM