A total of 100 participants from 15 countries took part in the Short Course in the Agri-Food Sector 2026, titled “Nature Sciencetech Innovation, Co-Creating Sustainable Agro-Food Industries and Climate Solutions,” organized by the Faculty of Agricultural Technology at Universitas Gadjah Mada (FTP UGM) from April 6-18. The program was conducted in two sessions, both offline and online, with 52 participants onsite and 48 joining virtually.
“The first week was dedicated to a pre-course conducted online. Then in the second week, we carried out the main course using a hybrid system, combining onsite and online sessions,” Short Course Committee Chair, Rizki Maftukhah, said on Tuesday (Apr. 21).
Rizki explained that the short course aims to provide students with experience in technologies and nature-based solutions to address challenges in the agri-food sector.
Over the two-week program, Rizki said participants learned various topics related to agriculture, information technology, artificial intelligence, and data analysis. Through classroom activities, they explored a range of technologies and nature-based solutions connected to the agri-food sector. In addition, participants joined a field trip to the UGM Field Research Center (FRC) located in Kulon Progo.
“There, they learned about cocoa processing technologies as well as greenhouse technologies for cultivation, particularly melons. They also studied milk processing technologies at FTP UGM’s pilot plant,” she said.
She expressed hope that, through this program, participants would gain valuable knowledge and experience that would benefit not only themselves but also the planet.
“We hope that participants, most of whom come from international backgrounds, will gain new insights into technologies and nature-based solutions for the agri-food sector,” she added.
“Beyond the academic aspect, we also aim to build networks and future collaborations. They are the younger generation who will be responsible for our planet.”
Director of Partnerships and Global Relations at UGM, Professor Puji Astuti, expressed the expectation that participants, having learned from experts in agriculture, information technology, and artificial intelligence over the past two weeks, would contribute to environmental preservation and integrate their knowledge to address climate change.
“We hope that after completing this course, all participants will generate innovations, ideas, and actions for sustainable agricultural systems. In the context of their respective countries, this will reflect how each nation contributes to a sustainable environment in the future,” she said.
Vice Dean for Finance, Assets, Human Resources, and Information Systems at FTP UGM, Professor Kuncoro Harto Widodo, expressed his appreciation to all parties involved in organizing the event and hoped that participants from various countries enjoyed their time during the program.
“We hope that the knowledge and networks built here will benefit their institutions, communities, and respective countries,” he concluded.
Author: Leony
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Jasmine Ferdian
Photo: Salwa