Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) and PT Agrinas Pangan Nusantara (Persero) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking a strategic milestone in efforts to strengthen national food security.
The agreement establishes cooperation in distributing Gamagora 7 rice seeds, a plant breeding innovation developed by UGM researchers.
In addition to supplying this rice variety, which thrives in wetland and dryland conditions, PT Agrinas Pangan Nusantara is also committed to providing technical support for farmers cultivating Gamagora rice.
UGM Rector Professor Ova Emilia highlighted that one of the most significant breakthroughs in this collaboration is using Gamagora 7, a superior rice variety developed through UGM’s research.
Gamagora 7 is a revolutionary, amphibious rice type that withstands extreme weather and pest attacks while producing exceptional yields.
“With productivity reaching up to 12 tons per hectare and high adaptability across various land ecosystems, Gamagora 7 represents a leap forward in Indonesia’s agricultural technology,” said Professor Emilia during the MoU signing ceremony held in Jakarta on Wednesday (May 14).
From July 2025 to July 2026, 200 tons of Gamagora 7 seeds will be gradually distributed, initially covering 175 hectares.
According to Professor Emilia, this collaboration is more than an agricultural initiative; it is part of a broader national movement to establish a resilient and self-sufficient food system rooted in local innovation.
“We carry a strong spirit to drive innovation, empower farmers, and plant seeds for the future of food security and sovereignty,” she said.
PT Agrinas Pangan Nusantara’s president and director, Joao Angelo De Sousa Mota, emphasized that this partnership extends beyond seed procurement.
It serves as a concrete example of synergy between industry and academia to directly support farmers in the field.
“We will work with UGM to supply high-quality Gamagora 7 seeds and provide technical assistance. This is part of our commitment to supporting the transformation of PT Yodya Karya into a new force in Indonesia’s food sector,” he stated.
Vice Minister of State-Owned Enterprises of the Republic of Indonesia, Kartika Wirjoatmodjo, strongly appreciated the collaboration.
He noted that this strategic partnership demonstrates how cooperation between state-owned enterprises and leading universities like UGM can be vital in realizing Indonesia’s vision of becoming a Golden Indonesia.
“National food security must be a priority so that Indonesia can become a global food barn,” he affirmed.
The collaboration between UGM and PT Agrinas Pangan Nusantara represents a tangible example of triple-helix synergy, with UGM as the research and innovation center, Agrinas as a driving force in the food industry, and strategic support from partners such as PT TWIIN, Bank Indonesia, Bank Mandiri, Nextbio, and Sumitomo.
Author: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya