Serdang, Malaysia – From December 16 to 19, 2024, a research team from the Smart Agriculture Research Center (SARC) of the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Faculty of Agricultural Technology at Gadjah Mada University (UGM), conducted a research visit to Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). This visit is part of UGM’s joint supervision and research program aimed at strengthening research collaboration in the fields of precision and smart agriculture.
The team, led by Dr. Ir. Andri Prima Nugroho, STP., M.Sc., Ph.D., IPU., ASEAN Eng., consists of faculty members and students from UGM, including Arifa Haryani, S.T., who will undertake exchange research at UPM. This initiative is expected to enhance agricultural productivity through innovative research and collaboration.
Key activities during the visit included facilitating Arifa Haryani’s commencement of her research exchange at UPM. Her research focuses on utilizing spectral sensors to enhance crop quality within indoor farming systems. Arifa will be supervised by Assoc. Prof. Nazmi Mat Nawi, Head of the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering at UPM. This research is particularly significant as it aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically those aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and ensuring food security.
Second, a research sharing session was held between the UGM team and researchers from the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering at UPM. This session provided a platform for exchanging ideas and exploring innovative opportunities in precision agriculture, which is essential for addressing the challenges faced by the agricultural sector.
Third, the UGM team visited various laboratory and research facilities at UPM. This tour allowed them to observe cutting-edge technologies and methodologies being employed in agricultural research, further enriching their understanding and capabilities in the field.
Fourth, there were in-depth discussions regarding future research collaborations, including the preparation of joint research proposals. These discussions are vital for establishing a framework for ongoing cooperation and ensuring that both institutions can leverage their strengths in agricultural research.
Additionally, the team met with research partner Prof. Rosnah Shamsudin and had the opportunity to attend a guest lecture delivered by Prof. Jay Jiayang Cheng from North Carolina State University, USA. The lecture focused on the prospects of agricultural engineers, highlighting the challenges and opportunities in the field, which is particularly relevant to the ongoing efforts in precision agriculture.
This visit underscores UGM’s commitment to strengthening international networks and fostering innovation in agriculture. By collaborating with UPM, both institutions aim to enhance their research capacities and contribute to the global discourse on sustainable agricultural practices.
The collaboration is expected to yield joint publications and improve research capacity at both institutions, ultimately contributing to the advancement of agricultural productivity and sustainability. As the world faces increasing food security challenges, such partnerships are essential for developing innovative solutions that can be implemented in various agricultural contexts.
In conclusion, the research visit to UPM marks a significant step forward in UGM’s efforts to engage in meaningful research collaborations that align with the SDGs. The outcomes of this visit will not only benefit the participating institutions but also have a broader impact on the agricultural sector in the region and beyond.
