The Public Relations Office of Universitas Gadjah Mada, through the Riset Kuat, Pangan Hebat (Strong Research for Food Security) Team, organized a talk show titled “Small Talks, Big Hopes: Hunger-Free Indonesia” on Tuesday (Sep. 24) at the UGM Innovation and Creativity Hub (GIK UGM). The event, part of Inovokasia 2025, reaffirmed UGM’s commitment to delivering concrete solutions for national food security.
Professor Taryono from the UGM’s Faculty of Agriculture (Agriculture UGM) and innovator of Gamagora 7 rice and Presokazi rice, served as the keynote speaker.
He emphasized that food security can only be achieved when research goes beyond laboratories and reaches farmers directly.
He emphasized the importance of developing environmentally friendly intensive farming strategies to ensure communities have access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food.
“We must build a food system that is both self-reliant and sustainable to realize SDG 2, Zero Hunger,” said Professor Taryono.
One of UGM’s key innovations is the superior rice variety Gamagora 7.
This variety matures quickly, offers high productivity, and provides better nutritional content compared to conventional varieties.
From this innovation, the premium rice Presokazi was developed as a downstream product of Gamagora 7. Rich in iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn), Presokazi also has a high protein profile.
“Presokazi is not just quality rice but a tangible outcome of food research addressing nutrition and public health issues,” he explained.
During the discussion session, a student from West Java, currently studying at UGM’s Faculty of Biology (Biology UGM), asked about the performance of Gamagora 7 when cultivated in regions prone to pest infestations and limited water availability.
“I would like to know how Gamagora performs in West Java, particularly in terms of pest resistance and dry land conditions,” the student said.
Responding to the question, Professor Taryono explained that trials conducted in several locations in West Java had shown promising results. The variety grew well despite limited irrigation; however, technical assistance remains necessary for effective pest management.
“Gamagora 7 produces rice with a delicious taste preferred by consumers, but this also requires extra attention to rodent infestations,” he remarked.
Furthermore, Professor Taryono stressed that the greatest challenges are not only technical but also social and economic.
Farmers are often reluctant to switch from traditional varieties due to limited capital and entrenched habits.
He pointed out that universities bear the responsibility of providing assistance, training, and accessible information to farmers.
“Food research will only have a broad impact if farmers feel supported and empowered,” he asserted.
The talk show showcased how UGM’s food research is designed to benefit society, while also advancing sustainable development goals.
Through innovations in superior crop varieties and nutrient-rich rice, UGM actively contributes to sustainable food security and efforts to prevent stunting in Indonesia.
The event also underscored UGM’s commitment to translating research into practical applications, enabling the community to directly benefit from its findings. In doing so, UGM reaffirms its role as a pioneer in food research, providing concrete solutions for the nation.
Author: Triya Andriyani
Post-editor: Rajendra Arya
Photographer: Donnie Trisfian