Yogyakarta, 23 April 2025 — The Department of Agronomy held Buper Talk #12 with the theme “Projections and Trends in Ornamental Plants: Production System Scenarios.” This event was part of the 79th Anniversary (Dies Natalis) activities of the Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada, and was attended by 151 participants, including students, academics, and practitioners in agriculture.
The event was also attended by the Vice Dean of Research, Community Service, and Cooperation, Prof. Subejo, S.P., M.Sc., Ph.D., who delivered opening remarks. Two main speakers were featured: Prof. Dr. Ir. Aziz Purwantoro, M.Sc., a Full Professor in Ornamental Plant Biotechnology at UGM, and Yusuf Muhammad Alfarih, S.P., an ornamental plant practitioner.
In his presentation, Prof. Aziz talked about “Ornamental Plants: A Fashion in Agriculture.” He explained that ornamental plants are unique because of their dynamic nature, following trends much like the fashion industry. He went over definitions, classifications, and various functions of ornamental plants, not only in aesthetic terms but also their other benefits. He also highlighted breeding methods for ornamental plants, from conventional techniques to modern biotechnology, which play important roles in producing superior varieties. Toward the end, Prof. Aziz emphasized that the development of the ornamental plant industry must be integrated and sustainable, involving collaboration among academics, business actors, and policymakers.
The second presentation by Yusuf Muhammad Alfarih was titled “Chrysanthemum, Mes Que Un Flor.” He began with a quote to draw participants’ attention:
“A ship cannot determine its direction without a rudder. Likewise, decoration feels empty without chrysanthemums.”
He explained that chrysanthemum is one of the important cut flowers in decoration. He discussed types of chrysanthemum based on market sales, the use of greenhouses in cultivating them, and both cut and pot flower chrysanthemum production processes. He also presented the timeline of chrysanthemum sales, tied to market demand, as well as business analysis and opportunities for chrysanthemum in the ornamental plant sector.
The event continued with an interactive discussion. Participants showed high enthusiasm, asking relevant questions about the topics covered. The speakers responded comprehensively, bringing both academic and practical perspectives, which enriched the participants’ understanding of challenges and opportunities in the production systems of ornamental plants, especially chrysanthemums.
Buper Talk #12 served as a meeting point for both academic and practitioner perspectives in the sustainable development of ornamental plants. Besides enriching participant insight, the activity supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. It is hoped that this event can spark new innovation and business opportunities in the ornamental plant sector, as well as strengthen the role of UGM’s Faculty of Agriculture in responding to current and future agricultural challenges.
Author: Mareta Aulia Putri
Editor: Yudha Pria Wibawa
Photo: Department of Agronomy