YOGYAKARTA – The Smart Agriculture Research Center (SmartAgri) team from the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (ABE), Faculty of Agricultural Technology (FAT), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), launched an Affordable Smart Fertigation System in Pringgolayan, Condongcatur, Sleman, on Friday (9/10/2026). The launching event, which included a Focus Group Discussion (FGD), was held in collaboration with the “Teratai Mekar” Women Farmers Group (KWT) to promote efficient water and fertilizer utilization in urban household gardens.
This practical initiative, supported by the Bank Indonesia Research Grant (RGBI) 2026 program, aligns with UGM’s commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 2: Zero Hunger (family food empowerment and local food security), SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (implementation of affordable appropriate technology), SDG 13: Climate Action (climate-adaptive farming practices based on water efficiency), and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals through multi-sector synergy between UGM academics, local village authorities, and community groups.
The technology launch was attended directly by the Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural Technology UGM, Prof. Dr. Mirwan Ushada, S.T.P., M.App.Life.Sc.; Head of the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (ABE) FAT UGM, Dr. Arifin Dwi Saputro, S.T.P., M.Sc.; senior ABE researcher, Prof. Dr. Ir. Lilik Sutiarso, M.Eng.; Coordinator of SmartAgri ABE UGM, Ir. Andri Prima Nugroho, Ph.D.; representative of Condongcatur Village, Murdiyanto, S.E.; and members of KWT Teratai Mekar.
The Coordinator of SmartAgri ABE UGM, Ir. Andri Prima Nugroho, Ph.D., stated that the development of this affordable fertigation system aims to dismantle the stigma that agricultural digital technology is always complex and expensive. SmartAgri ABE UGM offers a user-friendly precision solution that can be easily operated by KWT members on a daily basis.
“We strive to design a simple, efficient, and affordable fertigation system so that members of the women farmers group can optimize their garden plots independently and efficiently,” said Andri.
Representing Condongcatur Village, Murdiyanto, S.E., appreciated ABE UGM’s steps in providing applied technology guidance in urban areas where agricultural land is increasingly limited. A similar sentiment was expressed by the Head of KWT Teratai Mekar, Ida Halimah, who felt greatly helped as this technology saves water and fertilizer usage without burdening the members’ operational costs.
Through this mentoring program, SmartAgri Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering FAT UGM reinforces its commitment to promoting inclusive smart farming innovations that directly impact economic empowerment and food security in rural and semi-urban communities.
