Yogyakarta, Indonesia’s Gadjah Mada University (UGM) is defending its agricultural research efforts amid calls for greater focus on domestic food production. Following a recent challenge from the Chairman of the National Economic Council to prioritize applied research, UGM has highlighted its extensive work on garlic-a critical commodity for a nation that currently imports $770 million worth of the staple annually. The university detailed a robust portfolio of projects aimed at improving garlic yields and climate resilience, spanning multiple departments and research centers.
Yogyakarta, Indonesia – Gadjah Mada University (UGM) is highlighting its ongoing research into garlic production, including efforts to develop more productive and climate-resistant strains. The response comes after a call from a top Indonesian economic advisor for the university to prioritize agricultural research and move beyond debates over academic credentials.
“It can be strongly concluded that UGM has been and is currently conducting various studies related to garlic, including those directly related to productivity, environmental adaptation, and resilience to changing climatic conditions, especially microclimates,” said UGM spokesperson I Made Andi Arsana on Tuesday, December 16.
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Arsana said the information was gathered during discussions with UGM’s Vice Rector for Research, Development of Business, and Cooperation, Danang Sri Hadmoko, and Director of Research Mirwan Ushada.
UGM’s research also extends to garlic seed development, with studies focused on creating more productive and adaptable varieties. “Especially through cultivar approaches and microclimate engineering,” Arsana explained.
The university provided a catalog detailing research conducted between 2022 and 2024, revealing a total of 2,985 agricultural research topics. These studies cover product development, agricultural machinery, and the creation of modern farming systems aimed at producing superior seeds.
Participating departments include the Faculty of Agricultural Technology, the Faculty of Agriculture, the Faculty of Animal Husbandry, the Faculty of Biology, the Faculty of Engineering, the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, and various research centers.
Research focuses on a wide range of commodities, including rice, corn, garlic, soybeans, coconuts, palm oil, tea, chili peppers, potatoes, sugarcane, and more.
“This document demonstrates a strong scientific and experimental foundation,” Arsana stated.
Several research projects specifically address garlic, seeds, and climate considerations, including:
“Optimization of Micro Climate Technology for Cultivating Garlic in Lowlands to Improve Quantity and Quality of Bulbs“
“Response of Four Garlic Cultivars (Allium sativum L.) to Shading on Plant Growth and Yield in Lowlands“
The Faculty of Biology has also conducted research on varietal analysis through whole genome sequencing:
“Upstream and Downstream ONT Sequencing Study: Optimization of Plant DNA Isolation Methods and Assembler Comparison in WGS of Local Garlic“
Prior to 2022, additional garlic research included:
“Growth and Yield of Garlic (Allium sativum L.) in Lowlands“
“Environmentally Friendly Pest and Disease Management in the Production of Local Garlic Seeds to Support the National Self-Sufficiency Program“
The university’s response follows a recent request from Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Chairman of the National Economic Council, for Indonesian universities to prioritize research aimed at boosting domestic garlic production.
Pandjaitan emphasized the need for garlic varieties that are not only productive but also resilient to climate change. He specifically encouraged universities in Central Java and the Special Region of Yogyakarta, including Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS), Universitas Diponegoro (Undip), and UGM, to focus on this area.
“Universitas Sebelas Maret, Universitas Diponegoro, for example, study the soils at altitudes of one thousand meters that are suitable for garlic seeds,” Pandjaitan said during the Solo Investment Festival on Friday, December 12.
“UGM, don’t just focus on degree controversies. Conduct a study to determine where in Central Java we can grow garlic,” he added.
Pandjaitan has also independently conducted research into new varieties using genome sequencing at Lake Toba, at an altitude of 1,400 meters above sea level. He claims his research has already yielded promising results, producing more productive garlic seed varieties.
Increasing garlic production could significantly reduce Indonesia’s reliance on imports, which currently total US$770 million, or approximately Rp12.8 trillion.
(kum/sfr)
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