Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES) provided opportunities for local farmers and food producers to connect with university teams, exchange practical knowledge, and develop agricultural and food-processing skills through community training programmes in 2025.
Activities with the Gunung Berkah Farmer Group in Kendal and the Mugi Lestari Women Farmers’ Group in Grobogan combined agricultural demonstrations, discussions, and practical food-processing education. These initiatives support the university’s contribution to Sustainable Development Goal 2: Zero Hunger.
Institutional Support for Farmer Engagement
UNNES’s institutional framework includes Circular Letter No. B/28473/UN37/RT.02/2024 concerning the Utilisation of Campus Facilities by Local Farmers for Sustainable Farming. The circular provides a policy basis for connecting local farming communities with university resources.
This framework complements community-based activities that bring university knowledge directly to farmers and food producers.
Avocado Propagation Training with Gunung Berkah Farmers
On 17 May 2025, the Biology Study Programme of FMIPA UNNES conducted a partnership community-service programme with the Gunung Berkah Farmer Group in Gunungsari Hamlet, Ngesrepbalong Village, Limbangan District, Kendal Regency.
Led by Prof. Amin Retnoningsih, the university team introduced an avocado seed-splitting technique for propagating rootstocks. A seed can be divided into two to four sections, potentially increasing the supply of rootstocks for grafting.
The programme included introductory sessions, practical training, technology application, evaluation, and mentoring. Farmers also learned about grafted-seedling care and plant management. Business-related assistance covered agricultural branding, packaging, basic financial records, and digital marketing.
The initiative targeted the development of approximately 400 avocado seedlings for distribution to farming families. Collaboration involved the university team, Gunung Berkah farmers, and Yayasan Alpukat Nusantara, creating opportunities to exchange technical knowledge and discuss production challenges.
AYOM PANGAN Connects Women Farmers through Food-Processing Education
On 5–6 August 2025, UNNES GIAT 12 Public Health students organised AYOM PANGAN with the Mugi Lestari Women Farmers’ Group in Grobogan.
The first day combined education, discussion, and experience sharing on family food security and local resources, including corn, soybeans, and cassava. Pre- and post-activity assessments indicated improved understanding of food security.
On the second day, participants attended a demonstration of JAGGIE, or Jagung Nuggie, a corn-based nugget. Recipe leaflets provided preparation instructions and nutritional information, while tasting helped participants become familiar with the product.
Village and PKK representatives also attended, connecting women farmers with local stakeholders. The activity introduced practical food-processing skills with potential applications in household nutrition and small-scale food businesses.
Through these programmes, UNNES provides events where farmers and food producers can learn, share experience, and connect with university expertise and local partners.
