Yogyakarta, February 25, 2025 – Machika Shimizu, a student from Kyushu University in Japan, has embarked on a one-month exchange research program at the Environmental and Agricultural Building Engineering Laboratory (TLBP) within the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (TPB) at the Faculty of Agricultural Technology (FTP) of Gadjah Mada University (UGM). This program, running from February 21 to March 26, 2025, is a follow-up to the Summer Course held by UGM’s Faculty of Forestry in 2024.
During her time at UGM, Shimizu is focusing on designing a system for monitoring plant health using image processing and multispectral cameras. This research is conducted under the guidance of Dr. Andri Prima Nugroho at the TLBP Laboratory and the Smart Agriculture Research Center (SARC) at FTP UGM. Shimizu is studying the application of Internet of Things (IoT) technology and developing a system that can analyze plant images to detect early symptoms of diseases or nutrient deficiencies.
Shimizu’s arrival was celebrated with a welcome party hosted by members of the TLBP Laboratory on February 25, 2025. During the event, Shimizu introduced herself, her university, and her research plans at UGM. The gathering was attended by Dr. Joko Nugroho, the Head of the Environmental and Agricultural Building Engineering Laboratory, along with all lab members and researchers from the Smart Agriculture Research Center.
This exchange research program is part of a collaboration between UGM and Kyushu University, facilitated by Dr. Andri Prima Nugroho from FTP UGM, Prof. Takashi Okayasu, Ph.D., and Assoc. Prof. Takahiro Fujiwara, Ph.D., from Kyushu University. The program aims to strengthen research and educational cooperation between the two universities and provide valuable experiences for students in addressing agricultural issues in Indonesia.
The focus on smart farming aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in enhancing agricultural productivity and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. By integrating advanced technologies such as IoT and image processing, the research conducted by Shimizu is expected to contribute significantly to the improvement of agricultural practices in Indonesia.
As part of her research, Shimizu will explore various methodologies for plant health monitoring, which is crucial for increasing agricultural productivity. The ability to detect diseases and nutrient deficiencies early can lead to timely interventions, ultimately enhancing crop yields and sustainability.
The collaboration between UGM and Kyushu University not only fosters academic exchange but also encourages innovation in agricultural technology. By sharing knowledge and expertise, both institutions aim to address the pressing challenges faced by the agricultural sector in Indonesia and beyond.
In conclusion, the exchange research program represents a significant step towards building a robust partnership between UGM and Kyushu University. It highlights the importance of international collaboration in advancing agricultural research and education, ultimately contributing to the achievement of the SDGs.
