Learning Organic Farm System, SPs IPB University Invites Summer Course Participants to Visit Agatho Farm

The Postgraduate School (SPs) of IPB University invited participants of The 16th International Summer Course Programme on Tropical Agriculture and Environmental Management towards Regional Sustainability to visit the Agatho Farm organic garden, Bogor (13/9). This visit was to provide experience and information related to agriculture in each of the participants’ countries in terms of economy, environment and surrounding communities.

Participants of the 2024 Summer Course programme came from various universities including Ibaraki University, The University of the Ryukyus, and IPB University and came from various countries namely Indonesia, Japan, Uganda, Afghanistan and China.

Dr Liyantono, Leader of the 2024 Summer Course Program, said that the purpose of this activity was to hone the participants’ critical thinking about agriculture, especially in tropical climates. In addition, this visit is an example of population growth in developing countries and population decline in developed countries.

“This picture can provide information that it turns out that the economy alone does not lead to sustainability. But it is necessary to think about the environment and society, so that they can go hand in hand for sustainability,” he said.

Meanwhile, Apri Larastio from Agatho Farm explained that he has been developing organic farming in Bogor since 1984. Three years later, Agatho Farm’s land is fully organic, and its activities focus on developing organic farming. 

“Agatho Farm not only develops agriculture and animal husbandry, but also provides training and internships. We would like to thank SPs IPB University, the visit of the summer course participants can help promote Agatho Farm more widely,” he explained.

He added that in principle, agriculture, especially organic vegetables, refers to regulations originating from each country. It is also based on a trust system, one of which has gone through an organic certification body. “With this certification, it gives confidence to consumers, especially for organic food products,” he added.

After being briefed on organic farming at Agatho Farm, participants were divided into four groups accompanied by guides who are experienced in the world of organic farming. Participants were invited to tour around to see how the composting process, nursery, cultivation in the field and also see the animal farm area at Agatho Farm which is owned by Bina Sarana Bakti Foundation. (HBL/Lp) (IAAS/RUM)