UGM never stops developing research and innovation in various sectors. This time, Gama Melon Research Team from Faculty of Biology UGM developed an innovation in the agricultural sector. Through a research which was initiated by Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., they succeeded to launch a new cultivar of melon, namely Hikapel. As a new cultivar in Indonesia, Hikapel has acquired a Registration Decree from Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture Number 459/PVHP/2017. Through this legality, Hikapel melon is now ready to compete in melon commodity trade in Indonesia. Hikapel melon was officially launched in Gama Melon Expo: Indonesian Special Melon Product on Saturday (20/5).
Hikapel melon has an innovation on its size which is handy thus easy to bring everywhere. Moreover, it also has a distinctive fragrance and a high level of sweetness. It contains vitamin and mineral, particularly B-carotene which is higher than that in other melon. From food safety aspect, it is not contaminated by the hazardous ethrel compound as well as less pesticide.
Meanwhile, Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. said there are many research results in Indonesia which end in research report and journal only. Budi deplores this because the research is not beneficial for the society and business practitioners. Eko Priyanto, one of business practitioners in agriculture sector who is the Director of Segar Jaya company also said the same statement. Eko hopes the innovative research results such as Hikapel melon can contribute to the industry and business in Indonesia.
The success of Gama Melon Expo was not separated from the government’s role, particularly Ministry of Finance who funded the event. Expo, as well as research regarding Hikapel melon, was funded by Rispro LPDP Grant from Ministry of Finance in the second year from 2 year’s research duration. This event was the final part of the research implementation which will be finished in July 2017. It is expected to be the trigger for other researchers to launch their research results for the society.
“I hope this event can be a part of the history of Hikapel melon for further marketing aspect,” said Ganies Riza Aristya, S.Si., M.Sc., Head of the Event Committee.