Yogyakarta, 3–4 May 2025 — The Professional and Student Affairs Ministry (KKM) of the Agronomy and Plant Breeding Student Association (IMAGRO) held a Hands-on Training event in the Plant Tissue Culture Sub-Laboratory, Building A2a, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada. The event was intended to introduce and broaden the students’ knowledge about plant tissue culture techniques.
This workshop, which is held regularly twice a year in May and November, was met with enthusiasm by the participants. In her opening remarks, the Minister of KKM for the Tissue Culture Sector, Kurnia Wikandanastri, expressed hope that this training would expand students’ insights and enhance their skills in the field of tissue culture.
The training began with a theory session in the Multimedia Room of Building A2a, where participants were introduced to the basic concepts of tissue culture, including the tools and materials used, and the techniques for preparing culture media. Next, the participants moved to the laboratory for hands-on practice applying strict sterilization procedures and wearing laboratory coats, masks, and gloves to maintain cleanliness and prevent contamination.
Practical work included preparing culture media using ingredients such as sugar, agar, and MS (Murashige and Skoog) medium; sterilizing tools and materials; and doing subculture of orchid plant tissue inside culture bottles. The subcultures were performed in a laminar air flow cabinet to ensure sterile conditions. As part of the training, participants were allowed to take home their subculture results as documentation and souvenirs.
This activity is a manifestation of the commitment from IMAGRO’s KKM to develop student competence through hands-on learning experience, while also supporting the achievement of several of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially: SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by improving productivity and sustainable plant cultivation techniques; SDG 4 (Quality Education) by providing quality education and practical skill training; SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by encouraging environmentally friendly and efficient agricultural practices.
Author: Sheva Jyestafsyana Subagja
Editor: Yudha Pria Wibawa
Photo: KKM IMAGRO