Gunungkidul, October 27, 2025 — Lecturer from the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (DTPB), Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FTP UGM), Ir. Andri Prima Nugroho, S.T.P., M.Sc., Ph.D., IPU., ASEAN Eng., APEC Eng., Head of the Agricultural Energy and Machinery Laboratory and Research Coordinator at the Smart Agriculture Research Center, was invited as the keynote speaker at the “AI Future Maker – Root to Resilience Workshop.” His participation underscored recognition of his expertise and contributions in developing smart agricultural technologies applicable to real agro-industrial challenges in local communities.
The workshop, held at Balai Padukuhan Cabean, Ngestirejo Village, Tanjungsari Subdistrict, Gunungkidul Regency, aimed to introduce artificial intelligence (AI)-based solutions to cassava farmers and local Pathilo MSME producers to overcome challenges in agricultural production and product processing. This initiative aligns with the global pursuit of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2: Zero Hunger, by strengthening local food security, and SDG 13: Climate Action, by promoting adaptive technology for climate challenges.
Gunungkidul—particularly Kapanewon Tanjungsari—is known as a major cassava production center, where most residents depend on agriculture. Cabean Hamlet serves as a hub for the Pathilo (cassava cracker) industry, adding value to cassava harvests. However, farmers and MSMEs in this area face various obstacles, such as shallow, nutrient-poor soils; fluctuating cassava prices due to limited access to weather forecasting technologies; and heavy dependence on sunlight for Pathilo drying, which is highly vulnerable to sudden weather changes. Access to AI tools and legal protection also remains limited.
Carrying the theme “FROM ROOT TO RESILIENCE: AI Solutions for Cassava Farmers in the Special Region of Yogyakarta,” the workshop gathered over 50 cassava farmers and Pathilo producers, along with MSME group members and the Karang Taruna Putra Melati youth organization from Cabean.
In his presentation, Dr. Andri Prima Nugroho discussed “Utilizing Agricultural Technology and AI to Enhance Local Food Security” and “Applying AI for Weather Prediction and Water Management.” He highlighted how simple AI applications can help predict weather patterns, optimize water use efficiency, and improve Pathilo production processes—reducing environmental risks while enhancing climate resilience and productivity.
The event featured interactive, hands-on sessions where participants practiced using AI for plant health identification, innovative Pathilo product design, and digital marketing material creation for social media. “The material was easy to understand because it directly related to our daily challenges, like identifying plant diseases or promoting products online,” said the organizing committee chair, noting the participants’ enthusiasm.
“AI is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity for farmers and MSME players in this modern era. With the right technology, we can transform natural challenges into opportunities to boost productivity and welfare, while strengthening food security and climate adaptation,”
— Dr. Andri Prima Nugroho
The primary goal of this workshop was to enhance local communities’ capacity and awareness in adopting AI and smart farming technologies. Specifically, the activity aimed to identify ecological and social barriers, introduce relevant AI concepts, promote participatory innovation, and design a collaboration roadmap among farmers, MSMEs, and research institutions.
This initiative is expected to generate a policy brief addressing agricultural challenges and create a platform for MSMEs to improve Pathilo product sales, ultimately strengthening local food security, economic resilience, and contributing to the achievement of SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
The workshop marked an important step in empowering agricultural communities in Gunungkidul with advanced technology tools—paving the way for a more resilient and prosperous future for cassava farmers and Pathilo producers.
