Gamagora 7 rice variety stands as one of Universitas Gadjah Mada’s (UGM) flagship innovations in strengthening national food security. Behind its development is Supriyanta, a lecturer at the Faculty of Agriculture (Agriculture UGM), who has devoted his life to rice breeding. Growing up in a farming community, he became familiar with rice fields and the life of farmers from an early age.
“Since childhood, I was close to rice fields because my father and uncle worked in that sector. From there, I aspired to create superior rice varieties that could bring happiness to farmers,” he said on Friday (Sep. 19).
That aspiration eventually led him to become a plant breeder.
According to Supriyanta, field and laboratory research were not the most difficult challenges; the real hurdle came during the variety release process.
He emphasized that lengthy procedures and high costs often posed significant barriers.
“I truly enjoy the breeding process because for me it is life itself. What is more complicated is the release of the variety. The procedure is long, and the costs are considerable,” explained Supriyanta.
His childhood experiences gave him firsthand insight into the burdens faced by farmers. He often helped with simple tasks in the rice fields before school, which allowed him to gain a deep understanding of life on the ground.
From that awareness grew a determination to create research with real benefits.
“I know exactly what it feels like to be a farmer. For me, it’s not a challenge, but a part of my life,” he recalled.
His academic journey became clearer when he met mentors during his studies, especially the late Professor Soemartono Sastrowinoto, who first introduced him to rice research and set a new direction for his career. That moment, he said, was a turning point.
“When I met Professor Martono, I suddenly felt certain about choosing rice as my field of research. That was my turning point,” he said.
For Supriyanta, rice breeding is a lifelong education. He sees it as an endless journey, as long as researchers continue to learn and innovate.
Producing superior varieties, he believes, is not a short-term goal but a lifelong commitment.
“To me, breeding is long-life breeding. As long as I live, I will continue to learn and develop new varieties. It is not just a job, but a lifelong journey,” the Gamagora breeder said.
To illustrate his perspective, Supriyanta often uses a simple analogy.
He compares breeding to an old ship that inevitably leaks but can keep sailing as long as the pump works to drain the water.
The analogy reflects his belief that challenges will always exist, but persistence ensures progress.
“As long as our pumping speed is greater than the water coming in, the ship will keep moving. Breeding is the same, in which the challenges are constant, but we must keep going,” he explained.
Beyond his profession, Supriyanta views his work as a form of devotion. He believes that knowledge must provide tangible benefits to society, especially farmers.
For him, research only holds meaning if its results are truly applied in the field.
“I always think about how these varieties can address farmers’ challenges. For me, science must return to society,” he said.
Now, as Gamagora 7 gains wider recognition, Supriyanta holds high hopes.
He wants the variety to truly serve as a solution that brings happiness to farmers and strengthens food security.
For him, this aligns with the commitment he has upheld since the beginning of his career.
“I have dedicated my life to farmers. Hopefully, Gamagora 7 will continue to thrive and truly bring them happiness,” he concluded.
Author: Triya Andriyani
Post-editor: Rajendra Arya
Photographer: Donnie Trisfian