Efforts to improve the quality of smallholder livestock farming continue to be strengthened through collaboration between universities and regional governments. The Faculty of Animal Science Universitas Gadjah Mada (Fapet UGM) has once again demonstrated its strategic role by organizing a technical training (Bimtek) on goat and sheep cultivation and breeding, attended by hundreds of farmers from the Special Region of Yogyakarta.
The event, held at the 2nd-floor auditorium of Fapet UGM on Saturday (4/4), drew 585 farmers from 117 farmer groups. The training will run in phases until May 17, 2026, as part of a broader program to improve the availability and quality of livestock seed stock and feed, a mandate under provincial government authority.
The Dean of Fapet UGM, Prof. Ir. Budi Guntoro, S.Pt., M.Sc., Ph.D., IPU., Asean Eng., emphasized that the activity represents a tangible contribution from higher education institutions to support the development of the livestock subsector, particularly in small ruminants.
“Fapet UGM has a strong commitment to continuously make real contributions to livestock subsector development, not only in Yogyakarta but also across various regions in Indonesia,” he said.
According to him, goats and sheep hold strategic value, not only as a source of animal protein but also as a pillar of household economies, with strong social and cultural significance in local communities.
Through this technical training, Fapet UGM aims to deliver applicable knowledge and technology transfer, tailored to farmers’ needs and local conditions. This approach is expected to enhance farmers’ capacity to manage their livestock businesses more productively and sustainably.
Prof. Budi Guntoro also stressed the importance of applying sustainable livestock principles—focusing not solely on economic returns, but also on environmental, social, and animal welfare considerations.
Meanwhile, the Head of the DIY Department of Agriculture and Food Security, Aris Eko Nugroho, SP., M.Si., noted that this program is a key part of the government’s efforts to help farmers make the most of livestock assistance.
“Our hope is that the goats and sheep raised in Yogyakarta can truly become a source of community welfare,” he said.
Yan Kurnia Kustanto, a member of Commission B of the DIY Regional Legislative Council, emphasized the importance of farmer self-reliance, encouraging them not to remain dependent on government aid. Through the technical training, he hoped farmers could build networks and access various opportunities, such as corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs and banking services.
The goat and sheep technical training is scheduled throughout April and May, with four batches in April and three in May, each running for two days.
Author: Satria
Photo: Media Center Team
Translated by: Merlin Fatika Ramadhani
Original article: https://fapet.ugm.ac.id/fapet-ugm-perkuat-kapasitas-peternak-585-peserta-ikuti-bimtek-budi-daya-kambing-dan-domba/