Faculty of Biology UGM in cooperation with PT. PLN (Persero) have developed Gama Chicken centres in Beji village, Gunung Kidul regency. The community service programme is conducted through mentoring and facilities procurement for five hamlets: Sidorejo, Duren, Daguran Lor, Daguran Kidul, and Tungkluk.
“The Beji village will be directed to be a production unit of Day Old Chick (DOC) and to raise Gama Chicken,” said researcher from Faculty of Biology UGM, Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc, on Thursday (11/8).
Budi said the Gama chicken was innovated by researchers from Faculty of Biology and Faculty of Agriculture to develop the local chickens through animal breeding program. Gama chicken is a crossbreeding programme done since 2009 to meet the increasing demands. National production is from broiler 83.8% while local chicken only accounts for 16.2%. Indonesians consume chicken meat around 4.01 kg/person/year or 85% of consumption per capita of national fresh meat. This is higher than beef consumption which is 0.37 kg/person/year (7.8%).
Gama chicken meat is tastier to consume similar to backyard chicken. “Gama chicken is more adaptable to the environment here and tolerant to diseases,” he said. Further research is ongoing. Lecturers and students continue to give mentoring to the farmers on the breeding.
Budi Daryono also apreciates the PLN that participate in the PLN Care programme through Community Empowering.
“This community empowerment project reinstates the role of UGM with the concept of water tower through the Socio-entrepreneur spirit, to do the Tri Dharma principles by mobilising social and economic welfare development for society and humanity,” he concluded.