UGM students have developed the “Muda Ternak” (Livestock for Youth) program to stimulate young people’s interest in livestock farming.
This program was implemented in Saraban Hamlet, Bantul, from June to October 2023 in collaboration with the Saraban Hamlet Youth Organization. It involved 22 youths aged 18.
The program was initiated by Pradiptya Arrohman, Apriana Vika Vianbara, Leli Farida, Fariz Ardian Tama, and Syifani Setyaningrum.
They developed this program out of concern for the low productivity of the youth in Saraban Hamlet. Many of the young people in Saraban Hamlet are unemployed after completing their education.
“Saraban Hamlet has great potential for farming. There is plenty of available land and unused livestock pens, totaling 400 square meters,” Pradiptya Arrohman said.
“Also, the people of Saraban Hamlet are accustomed to having pets; at least 22% of the population still traditionally raises livestock.”
Arrohman explained that the program is carried out intensively with the youth of Saraban Hamlet. The youth receive systematic livestock management training regularly. Four sheep were raised during the program.
“Young people who were previously unproductive have become more productive with the activities of this program, such as daily feeding and watering,” added Apriana Vianbara.
In addition to providing mentoring and livestock management training, they also facilitate training on making mineral blocks and silage, planting livestock feed grass, feasibility studies, and recording.
One of the young people from Saraban Hamlet, Raffa, expressed how much the “Muda Ternak” program helped him. He had no prior experience in farming.
“After participating in the program, I gained experience in farming, from feeding and taking care of livestock to acquiring additional knowledge about farming,” he explained.
Author: Ika
Photo: The UGM “Muda Ternak” Team