Yogyakarta, December 7, 2024 – Ir. Andri Prima Nugroho, STP., M.Sc., Ph.D., IPU., ASEAN Eng., the research coordinator of the Smart Agriculture Research Center (SARC) and a lecturer at the Department of Agricultural Engineering and Biosystems, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), has recently completed a research visit to Kyushu University, Japan, from late November to early December 2024. This visit is part of a *joint supervision and research* program funded by the Directorate of Partnerships and Global Relations of UGM.
During his visit, Dr. Andri engaged in a series of activities, including meetings with Prof. Takashi Okayasu and his research team at the Laboratory of Agricultural Machinery and Production Systems Design (Lab. AMPSD), as well as with Prof. Takahiro Fujiwara at the Forest Policy Laboratory, Kyushu University. The discussions focused on finalizing a *Memorandum of Agreement* (MoA) for the 2024 *joint supervision* program and exploring further research collaboration opportunities, including student exchange programs.
Dr. Andri also had the opportunity to tour the agricultural research facilities at Kyushu University, such as the *smart greenhouse*, and engage in discussions with students and researchers at Lab. AMPSD. He presented his research on smart agricultural technology in tropical regions, particularly the utilization of data for optimizing agricultural productivity.
This visit resulted in an agreement to strengthen research collaboration between UGM and Kyushu University, particularly in the fields of *plant phenotyping* and indoor agriculture. This collaboration is expected to yield joint publications in reputable international journals and enhance research capacity at both institutions. The success of this visit underscores UGM’s commitment to expanding its international network and fostering innovation in agriculture.
The collaboration is particularly timely given the increasing challenges posed by climate change on agricultural productivity. By leveraging advanced technologies and research methodologies, both institutions aim to develop sustainable agricultural practices that can withstand the impacts of climate change. This partnership is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on ending hunger, achieving food security, and promoting sustainable agriculture.
In addition to the academic discussions, Dr. Andri emphasized the importance of integrating local knowledge with modern agricultural practices. He believes that understanding the unique challenges faced by farmers in tropical regions is crucial for developing effective solutions that enhance agricultural productivity while being environmentally sustainable.
The visit also provided an opportunity for cultural exchange, as Dr. Andri and his team learned about Japanese agricultural practices and innovations. This exchange of knowledge is vital for fostering a collaborative spirit and understanding between the two institutions, which can lead to more effective research outcomes.
As UGM continues to strengthen its global partnerships, this visit to Kyushu University marks a significant step towards achieving its goals in agricultural research and innovation. The collaboration is expected to not only benefit the institutions involved but also contribute to the broader goal of sustainable agricultural development in the face of climate change.
