Banyuroto, Magelang, October 20, 2026 — The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), strengthened its commitment to supporting sustainable agriculture through a community engagement program held at Inggit Strawberry Agrotourism, Banyuroto, Magelang, on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. The program focused on the theme “Implementation of Smart Integrated Agronomy and Digitalization as an Innovation (SDG 9) to Support Sustainable Strawberry Farming for Food Security (SDG 2) and Farmer Economic Empowerment (SDG 8).”
The program was designed to bridge scientific knowledge, technological innovation, and the practical needs of strawberry farmers. Through direct interaction with the farming community, the Faculty of Biology UGM provided knowledge and practical insights aimed at strengthening farmers’ capacity to manage strawberry production more effectively, sustainably, and independently.
The community engagement team consisted of Ganies Riza Aristya, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D.; Prof. Rina Sri Kasiamdari, S.Si., Ph.D.; Dr. Mirza Hanif Al Falah, S.Si., M.Ling.; Tiara Putria Judith, S.Si., M.Sc.; and Tika Nur Amini, S.Si. Ganies Riza Aristya and Prof. Rina Sri Kasiamdari served as resource persons, while the other team members contributed as instructors.
Strengthening Farmers’ Understanding of Seed Quality and Plant Breeding
Ganies Riza Aristya, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D. delivered a session on seeds, plant breeding, seed production, and seed storage. The session highlighted the fundamental role of high-quality planting materials in determining the success of agricultural production.
Farmers were introduced to the characteristics of quality seeds, including varietal purity, good germination capacity and vigor, healthy seed condition, and freedom from contamination by pathogens and other undesirable materials. The presentation emphasized that the selection and management of healthy planting materials are essential components of a productive and sustainable farming system.
The session also covered practical principles for selecting plants as seed sources, producing quality seeds, harvesting, cleaning, drying, and storing seeds. Farmers were encouraged to select healthy and vigorous plants as potential sources of planting material and to pay close attention to post-harvest seed management. Proper drying and storage are particularly important because moisture, heat, air exposure, insects, and light can adversely affect seed quality and longevity.
Improving Disease Awareness and Prevention in Strawberry Production
Meanwhile, Prof. Rina Sri Kasiamdari, S.Si., Ph.D. presented material on the identification of major strawberry diseases and strategies for their prevention. The session introduced farmers to several important diseases that may affect strawberry growth, yield, and fruit quality.
The diseases discussed included gray mold caused by Botrytis cinerea, anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum, powdery mildew, common leaf spot, crown rot, red stele root rot, Verticillium wilt, Fusarium wilt, angular leaf spot caused by Xanthomonas fragariae, strawberry viral diseases, and soft rot. The presentation also explained characteristic symptoms and environmental conditions that may favor disease development.
Rather than focusing solely on disease control after infection occurs, the training emphasized preventive and integrated plant health management. Farmers were encouraged to use healthy planting materials, maintain field sanitation, improve drainage, manage irrigation, maintain adequate plant spacing and air circulation, monitor plants regularly, and prevent pathogen movement through contaminated tools, soil, water, and plant materials.
The importance of healthy planting materials was also emphasized as a critical link between seed management and disease prevention. Healthy and pathogen-free seedlings can reduce the risk of introducing diseases into production areas. At the same time, appropriate management of the growing environment—including drainage, irrigation, and humidity—can help create healthier strawberry production systems.
Towards Smart, Integrated, and Sustainable Strawberry Farming
The community engagement program reflects the Faculty of Biology UGM’s broader effort to translate biological sciences and technological innovation into practical solutions for agricultural communities. By combining knowledge of planting material quality, plant breeding, seed management, disease identification, and preventive plant health management, the program encourages farmers to adopt a more integrated approach to strawberry cultivation.
The knowledge shared during the program is expected to support farmers in making more informed decisions throughout the production cycle, from selecting healthy planting materials to maintaining plant health and managing harvested products. Such an integrated approach is particularly relevant for strengthening the resilience and sustainability of strawberry-based agrotourism in Banyuroto.
Advancing the Sustainable Development Goals
The program directly contributes to the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The application of Smart Integrated Agronomy and digitalization supports SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) by promoting innovation and technology-based approaches in agriculture. Strengthening strawberry production through improved planting materials and plant health management contributes to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by supporting sustainable and productive food systems. Meanwhile, enhancing farmers’ knowledge, skills, productivity, and economic potential contributes to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). Through this initiative, the Faculty of Biology UGM demonstrates its commitment to connecting biological innovation, agricultural technology, and community empowerment to develop a more productive, resilient, and sustainable strawberry farming ecosystem in Banyuroto.





















































