Fukuoka, Japan – December 3, 2024 – Ir. Andri Prima Nugroho, STP., M.Sc., Ph.D., IPU., ASEAN Eng., Coordinator of the Smart Agriculture Research Center (SARC) at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), delivered a guest lecture at the Agricultural Machinery and Production System Design Laboratory (Lab. AMPSD) at Kyushu University. This guest lecture is part of a research visit under the *joint supervision and research* program funded by the Directorate of Partnerships and Global Relations at UGM.
In his presentation titled “Advancing Precision Farming: Smart Technology for Tropical Agriculture Production,” Dr. Andri elaborated on how smart technology can enhance precision agriculture in tropical regions. He highlighted the use of data-driven technology to optimize agricultural productivity in Indonesia, including the utilization of sensors and IoT to monitor crop conditions in real-time, modeling and simulation to predict yields and optimize resources, as well as image processing and machine learning to detect diseases and identify areas needing special attention.
Furthermore, Dr. Andri explained the integration of various technologies into an integrated precision agriculture system, along with the development of applications to facilitate farmers in accessing information and managing their farms. Emphasis was placed on the importance of combining modern technology with local knowledge to create effective and sustainable solutions for farmers in tropical areas, thereby enhancing productivity while remaining environmentally friendly.
The engaging discussion involved Prof. Takashi Okayasu, Ph.D., Assoc. Prof. Muneshi Mitsuoka, Ph.D., Visiting Professor Dr. Muhammad Rashed Al Mamun, postdoctoral researchers, and third and fourth-year students from Lab. AMPSD. Dr. Andri shared experiences on the application of data-driven smart agriculture technology for optimizing agricultural productivity in Indonesia. This knowledge exchange is expected to strengthen research collaboration between UGM and Kyushu University in the fields of plant phenotyping and indoor agriculture.
The research collaboration between UGM and Kyushu University aims to enhance research capacity and agricultural innovation, produce joint publications, and strengthen UGM’s international research network. This guest lecture demonstrates UGM’s commitment to promoting global collaboration for sustainable agriculture.
In addition to the lecture, Dr. Andri participated in a series of discussions with faculty members and students, exploring potential areas for future research collaboration. The discussions focused on the challenges faced by farmers in tropical regions and how smart agriculture can address these issues effectively.
The event also provided an opportunity for students at Kyushu University to learn about the latest advancements in agricultural technology and its applications in real-world scenarios. Many students expressed their enthusiasm for the innovative approaches presented by Dr. Andri, which could potentially transform agricultural practices in their own countries.
As part of the ongoing collaboration, both institutions plan to organize joint workshops and training sessions aimed at equipping students and researchers with the necessary skills to implement smart agriculture technologies. This initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in enhancing agricultural productivity and promoting sustainable practices.
Overall, the guest lecture and subsequent discussions mark a significant step towards fostering international partnerships in agricultural research, paving the way for innovative solutions that can benefit farmers globally.
