Yogyakarta, October 4, 2023 – The Faculty of Biology at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) received a visit from RSUD Ajibarang for the ” Milk Pumpkin Farming Workshop for Stunting Prevention” event . The visit took place at the Tropical Biology Auditorium of the Faculty of Biology and was attended by Ir. Wahyu Budi Saptono, M.Si, the Secretary of the Banyumas Regency, along with various officials from the Banyumas Regency Government, including representatives from the Department of Health and District Chiefs from all districts in Banyumas. Also present were the entire management team of RSUD Ajibarang, Heads of Community Health Centers, and Healthcare Professionals from RSUD Ajibarang.
Prof. Budi, the Dean of the Faculty of Biology, warmly welcomed the visit from RSUD Ajibarang Banyumas. This visit marks a return after the Faculty of Biology’s previous visit and collaborative discussions with RSUD Ajibarang last February, in commemoration of the anniversary of one of the hospitals in Banyumas. Ir. Wahyu Budi, the Secretary of Banyumas Regency, then delivered his remarks. He revealed that Banyumas Regency has been addressing stunting through various intervention programs, which have thus far successfully reduced the prevalence of stunting in the regency to below the national target of 14%. He also expressed his interest in pumpkin farming as an effective means to combat stunting. Dr. Eko, the Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration and Alumni Affairs, then gave a speech along with a presentation about the profile of the Faculty of Biology UGM. Dr. Eko discussed the history of the Faculty of Biology’s connections with the medical field and highlighted various collaborations that the Faculty of Biology has undertaken both within and outside the country.
The event continued with a workshop featuring three speakers, including Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr. Sc., Nurpuji Mumpuni, S.Si., M.Kes, and Prof. Dr. Purnomo, MS. The workshop’s content focused on milk pumpkin farming efforts in stunting prevention, aligning with the commitment to support Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in reducing early childhood hunger (SDG 2) and improving the quality of life for a healthier and more prosperous community (SDG 3). Prof. Budi presented on ‘Citra LaGa’ milk Pumpkin. He outlined the history and diversity of pumpkins and then provided specific details about ‘Citra LaGa’ milk Pumpkin, which is the result of the collaboration between Prof. Budi and Prof. Purnomo since 2017, cultivated by a group of supported farmers located in Prambanan, Yogyakarta. One of the unique features of ‘Citra LaGa’ milk Pumpkin is its various shapes, including guitar-shaped, dumbbell/pepper-shaped, and snake/duck neck-shaped. The harvested milk pumpkins are diversified through processing for consumption and resale, including products like pumpkin porridge, cupcake, dessert soup, pudding, and sponge cake.
Nurpuji Mumpuni, S.Si., M.Kes, followed with a presentation about using milk Pumpkin for stunting prevention. NurPuji discussed the prevalence of stunting and the need for efforts to address and prevent its increase. One effective way is through pumpkin farming, which provides high nutrition and is beneficial for improving nutrition in young children.
Prof. Purnomo then delivered a presentation on “Optimizing Milk Pumpkin Flour Production and Online Marketing Strategies as Efforts to Enhance Food Security, Economy, and Anti-Stunting in Madurejo Village, DIY.” He explained the role of appropriate technology and the downstreaming of research results as a solution to address pumpkin marketing issues and stunting intervention in Madurejo Village. The hope is that these efforts will not only combat stunting but also support the economic growth of the village (SDG 8).
The workshop is part of the Faculty of Biology’s commitment to enhancing societal welfare through innovation and research applicable to the community. It is anticipated that this workshop will also contribute to strengthening the ties between the Faculty of Biology UGM and RSUD Ajibarang in future collaborative endeavors through innovative and sustainable activities.