Faculty of Agriculture UGM in collaboration with Directorate General for Infrastructure and Facilities of Agriculture Ministry as well as the Bank of Indonesia have initiated the applications of the prototype of corporate farming business model during the opening of 71th anniversary event of Faculty of Agriculture UGM on Tuesday (11/7) at Faculty of Agriculture UGM.
“In line with the theme of the anniversary to strengthen the smart agriculture as the basis for future agriculture, now we’re promoting the business model of corporate farming together with the Agriculture Ministry,” said Dean of Faculty of Agriculture, Dr. Jamhari, S.P., M.P.
Jamhari said the business model still sticks to the principles of agricultural cooperatives whilst also carrying profesional business principles.
“We’re trying to professionalise our farmers’ business by sustaining the exisitng models but also generating all elements to be real potential,” he said.
The agriculture Ministry will provide transplanters to enable the farmers doing the work amidst their limited manpower.
Such business model, said Jamhari, would be applied for farmer groups in the area of Jetis, Bantul regency. The area is expected to be the pioneer for similar models in other areas.
“This will be the national pilot project. We will assist them, partnering with the farmers,” said Jamhari.
Rector of UGM, Prof. Ir. Panut Mulyono, M.Eng., D.Eng., supports the event. He said in his remarks that he appreciates the programme that can give solution to agriculture affairs in Indonesia.
“This will also reaffirms the role of Faculty of Agriculture to build and contribute to the state. Along with the support from the Ministry, this will be the reference for resolving agricultral problems in Indonesia,” he said.
The Director General, Ir. Pending Dadih Permana, M.Ec.Dev., also appreciates the programme, because it is in line with the government policy that is developing innovations in funding aspect for farmers groups.
“One of the things we develop is the funding aspect, the banks can help bridge the systems to the farmers,” he said.
Furthermore, Faculty of Agriculture also hosts national and international seminars, visits to teaching factory of Pagilaran, workshops and socialisation of smart agriculture.