Klaten, August 22, 2026 — The Minister of National Development Planning/Head of Bappenas, Rachmat Pambudy, began his working visit to Central Java by reviewing the implementation of data-based agricultural research and technology at the Research Center (RC) of Yayasan Edu Farmers International (Edufarmers) in Klaten Regency on Saturday (8/22). The visit underscored the importance of applied innovation in supporting a productive, efficient, and sustainable national food security system.
Minister Rachmat Pambudy praised the data-driven innovations being implemented directly in the field. "National food security requires a solid ecosystem and the integration of precision technology at the grassroots level. What Edufarmers has demonstrated at the Klaten Research Center proves that close collaboration between applied research, the private sector, and government can translate strategic national policy into real solutions that farmers directly benefit from," said Minister Rachmat Pambudy.
During the visit, Minister Rachmat Pambudy observed a precision agriculture ecosystem that integrates physical soil testing with artificial intelligence (AI)-based analysis. Digital technology-based agricultural approaches on display included the Soil Test Kit, a portable soil-testing device trialed across more than 200 demonstration plots to quickly measure pH, NPK nutrients, organic carbon, and soil salinity. This tool is paired with Pak Dayat AI, a WhatsApp-based agricultural assistant that provides practical fertilization recommendations.
Beyond digital innovation, Minister Rachmat Pambudy also witnessed environmentally friendly farming practices firsthand, including the Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) irrigation technique — recognized for its effectiveness in conserving water and reducing greenhouse gas emissions — as well as no-burning rice farming for post-harvest residue management.
These innovations are the result of work by Edufarmers' research team, which has conducted more than 100 research cycles on rice, corn, chili, and shallot commodities since 2022. This effort supports Edufarmers' role as an implementing partner that connects the government's macro-level policies with actual needs on the ground.
This technology ecosystem is already being used by local farmers. Pioneer Farmer representative Aris shared that the combination of the soil-testing tool and digital guidance has made day-to-day land management easier.
"Edufarmers is committed to being an implementing partner that bridges the government's macro-level policies with real needs in the field. Through applied research and accessible technology, we ensure that every innovation delivers genuine economic and sustainability benefits for farmers," said Edufarmers CEO Amri Ilmma.
The visit was also attended by Klaten Regent Hamenang Wajar Ismoyo and the Rector of Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS). The visit further reinforced the importance of collaboration among government, academia and the private sector in expanding the reach of evidence-based agricultural technology to build resilient national food security.
