The Gamagora rice variety, developed by the UGM Center for Agrotechnology Innovation (PIAT UGM), was harvested by farmers from the Makmur Sejahtera Farmers Group in Sentolo, Kulon Progo.
This inaugural harvest was conducted on a demonstration plot of 1 hectare, divided into three sections.
The harvest on Tuesday (Apr. 23) showed average yields of 7.52 tons per hectare in the central and eastern areas and 7.8 tons per hectare in the western region, with a harvest age of 75 days after planting.
Bandi, one of the farmers participating in the harvest, noted that the yield was exceptional, given the much shorter harvest period than other rice varieties.
“The Gamagora rice we harvested today is only 75 days old since planting and can yield over 7 tons per hectare on average. I think this is very beneficial, especially for the second planting season, which has a shorter wet period,” he said.
As part of the inaugural harvest activities, there was also a discussion among stakeholders, including researchers from the UGM Faculty of Agriculture (Faperta UGM), representatives from Bank Indonesia DIY, local government officials, field agricultural extension officers (PPL), pest observer officers (POPT), and farmers.
In the discussion, Anis Prasetyo, a PPL from Tuksono Village, expressed his appreciation for UGM’s Gamagora rice variety.
He mentioned that the first planting of Gamagora rice used liquid organic fertilizer provided by Bank Indonesia. He noted that the Gamagora rice harvest was quite good and had optimal potential for further development compared to other rice varieties.
“Besides the Gamagora rice harvest, we harvested the Ciherang rice variety and obtained 7.01 tons per hectare. I think the significant difference in yields between Ciherang and Gamagora shows the optimal potential of Gamagora,” Prasetyo explained.
Regarding pest resistance, Farliana Wardani, a POPT from Sentolo District, observed that the Gamagora rice variety was resistant to pests. Her observations indicated that only a few pests attacked the Gamagora rice.
“Although there were some brown planthoppers, no significant control measures were needed because their population and attack intensity were very low,” she explained.
Maya, a representative from Bank Indonesia DIY, expressed her gratitude for the successful Gamagora rice harvest in Sentolo. She thanked the farmers for their enthusiasm and cooperation in the Gamagora rice demonstration plot.
She noted that farmers could directly experience the benefits of one of the Faperta UGM’’s innovations. Bank Indonesia will continue to support plans, including constructing a fertilizer house for farmers in Sentolo.
“This is our joint effort towards self-sufficiency in meeting fertilizer needs. Together with Faperta UGM, we are planning the construction of a fertilizer house for Sentolo, which will be executed this year, and we hope it brings more benefits to the Sentolo farmers,” Maya said.
The collaboration in creating the Gamagora rice demonstration plot shows Faperta UGM’s commitment to achieving the SDGs, including Goal 1: No Poverty, Goal 2: Zero Hunger, Goal 15: Life on Land, and Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
Author: Hanita Athasari Zain
Editor: Agung Nugroho
Photo: Faperta UGM