The innovator of Gama Umami grass from the UGM Faculty of Animal Science (Animal Science UGM), Professor Nafiatul Umami, along with Professor Bambang Suhartanto and Dr. Teguh Wahyono, has been awarded the Indolivestock Research and Innovation Awards 2024 in the Goat and Sheep category with the award name Widhi Catha Satwa Nugraha. The award ceremony occurred on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at the Jakarta Convention Center.
Professor Umami stated that in this competition, she and her team presented the research titled “Superior Grass Gama Umami (Pennisetum purpureum Var Gama Umami) as a Biomass Source of Fiber Feed for Ruminants.”
In a statement to reporters on Thursday (July 18), Professor Umami expressed her gratitude for receiving the award. She mentioned that the Indonesian Livestock Development Foundation (YPPI) appreciated their research on the development of feed for livestock, particularly goats and sheep.
“We are grateful for the support and synergy of many parties that enabled us to receive this award,” she said.
The competition involved 24 public and private universities, featuring 20 lecturers with master’s degrees, 24 doctors, and 22 professors, presenting 61 research works. There were five categories in the Indolivestock Research and Innovation Award 2024: Beef Cattle, Dairy Cattle, Goats and Sheep, Poultry, and Various Livestock.
Professor Umami explained that Gama Umami grass is derived from the mutation of elephant grass irradiated with gamma rays, resulting in superior grass compared to its parent. Elephant grass was chosen due to its excellent qualities, popularity among ruminant livestock, and suitability for development in Indonesia’s tropical climate.
“The production yield of Gama Umami grass is higher than that of local elephant grass and can be harvested up to 6 times a year,” she said.
Professor Umami mentioned that this award does not make her complacent but motivates her to promote this innovative work further to support the national food security program.
“I hope this innovation can help address the issue of self-sufficiency in livestock feed in our country,” she said.
Author: Satria
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Photo: Professor Umami