The UGM Faculty of Agriculture (Faperta UGM) continues to pursue strategic innovations. In line with the development of technology and science, one of the breakthroughs implemented is rooftop urban agriculture, which utilizes the rooftops of buildings for fruit cultivation.
This latest innovation is being carried out on the rooftop of the Rachmiwati Building at Faperta UGM. The urban agriculture initiative involves building a greenhouse to cultivate melon plants.
On Wednesday (15/5), the Rector of UGM, along with the Vice-Rector for Student Affairs, Community Service, and Alumni, the Dean of the Faculty of Forestry, the Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy, the Dean of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, and the Dean of the Faculty of Geography had the opportunity to visit the rooftop and harvest melons.
Dr. Jaka Widada, the Dean of Faperta UGM, stated that planting fruit on the rooftop of the faculty building is a manifestation of developing healthy and profitable urban agriculture.
“By utilizing this rooftop, we hope it can be part of the regeneration of farmers and national food security,” he explained.
He reported that the melons harvested from the rooftop greenhouse can weigh between 3 and 4 kg each and grow for 65 days from planting. This result demonstrates that properly utilizing available space for plant cultivation can yield lush and healthy plants.
Rector Ova Emilia expressed her appreciation. She was impressed by the greenhouse used to grow Sweet Hami melons.
“This is an excellent initiative to utilize space that can be used for urban farming,” she remarked.
The rector hopes that the innovation of Faperta UGM can be adopted by other faculties or units within UGM. With such a model, space utilization in faculties or units can be optimized and contribute to a greener environment.
Author: Talita Salma
Editor: Desi Utami
Photo: Faperta UGM