UGM Faculty of Biology Community Service Team has partnered with Rejosari Women’s Farming Group (KWT Rejosari) in Kledokan Hamlet, Sleman Regency, to develop local agriculture using vacant land as a vegetable garden.
Around 1,000 m² area used by KWT Rejosari is leased from village land and provided free of charge.
The land development also receives support from the agricultural extension workers (PPL), while UGM supplies seeds and oversees productivity improvements for KWT Rejosari.
Dr. Raden Roro Upiek Ngesti Wibawaning Astuti, the person in charge of UGM’s Community Service Team, explained that the faculty has been involved in mentoring KWT Rejosari since 2013, initially in Mrican and recently expanded to Kledokan in Caturtunggal.
Dr. Upiek, as she is commonly known, expressed her commitment to continuing support for KWT until they achieve independence.
“I’m confident that UGM will not turn its back, as there are 14 KWTs here that need nurturing. We hope these fourteen KWTs can become self-sufficient. We will continue to coordinate with the local government and may involve other faculties as well,” she explained.
With the 1,000 m² land, the team will prepare vegetable plant seeds and invite KWT Rejosari to plant, maintain, and help build infrastructure such as irrigation pipes.
“Our students will also be actively involved; they will come to help water and care for the plants,” she stated.
Through the community service program, Dr. Upiek mentioned that the aim is to provide agricultural guidance and foster collective awareness among KWT members about the importance of optimal and environmentally friendly land use.
“We want KWT members to become more aware of the economic potential that can be achieved through sustainable agriculture,” she added.
KWT Rejosari in Kledokan Hamlet has 30 members who have planted superior crop varieties such as baby cucumbers, spinach, long beans, and peanuts.
Martin, the chair of KWT Rejosari, conveyed that the harvest is not only for personal consumption among members but also for commercial sale.
“We don’t have difficulties in marketing. When we have a bountiful harvest, our members post on social media to sell the produce to their contacts. We then coordinate it,” Martin said.
The collaboration between the UGM Faculty of Biology and KWT Rejosari is also expected to serve as a model for collaborative agriculture between academia and local communities.
Through UGM’s involvement, KWT members gain better technical agricultural knowledge, including efficient planting and plant care techniques.
Author: Rahma Khoirunnisa
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Lintang