ULM and Forkopimda Hold Joint Harvest, Encouraging Replication of Environmentally Friendly Agricultural Models
Tanah Laut, July 2, 2025 – Lambung Mangkurat University (ULM) has once again demonstrated its concrete contribution to supporting national food security. One such effort is through a 10-hectare educational garden owned by ULM Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmad Alim Bachri, located in Sambangan Village, Bati-Bati District, Tanah Laut Regency.
The garden served as a corn and robusta coffee harvest location, attended by the Governor of South Kalimantan, H. Muhidin, along with members of the Forkopimda (Regional Leadership Communication Forum). On that occasion, the group also picked the harvest from approximately 9,000 coffee trees and harvested corn grown using environmentally friendly methods.
Governor Muhidin expressed his high appreciation for ULM’s initiative. He considered the garden not only a personal asset but also a model of agricultural practices that can be replicated by the community.
“The corn is sweet, and even the corn porridge made by the Rector’s mother is extraordinary. This is a concrete example of community-based food security,” he said.
He also encouraged South Kalimantan residents to optimize idle land and learn from the model implemented by ULM.
“Please contact the Rector if you want to learn how to grow corn and coffee. This must be a joint movement,” he added.
ULM Rector, Prof. Dr. H. Ahmad Alim Bachri, SE., M.Si., explained that this garden is part of ULM’s vision to promote food sovereignty while simultaneously providing social impact.
“We are also collaborating with the South Kalimantan Regional Police, including in developing cattle farming. Fifty head have been marketed ahead of Eid al-Adha,” he said. Interestingly, the proceeds from the livestock farming activities are also used to help underprivileged students through a Single Tuition Fee (UKT) subsidy.
Support also came from the South Kalimantan Regional Police Chief, Inspector General Rosyanto Yudha Hermawan, who was also present at the harvest.
“What the ULM Rector is doing is a step forward. This can inspire all elements of society to become more independent in food production,” he said.
By combining academic approaches and direct action in the field, ULM emphasizes its strategic role as a university that is not only scientifically superior, but also present and has a real impact in society.
