Visit of Kyushu University Students to the Environmental Engineering and Agricultural Building Laboratory at UGM: Strengthening Cooperation in Smart Agriculture

Group photo with Kyushu University students

On August 12, 2024, the Environmental Engineering and Agricultural Building Laboratory, Department of Agricultural Engineering, Faculty of Agricultural Technology UGM, received a special visit from 13 students from Kyushu University, Japan, accompanied by Assoc. Prof. Takahiro Fujiwara, Ph.D. This visit aimed to introduce the students to the Smart Agriculture research facilities and observe firsthand the Indoor Farming – Smart Agri Plant Factory.

The delegation was warmly welcomed by Dr. Andri Prima Nugroho, who is also an alumnus of Kyushu University, having completed his doctoral program in 2016. In his welcome remarks, Dr. Andri expressed his hope that this visit would provide deep insights into the facilities and current research at the Smart Agriculture Research Center, which is located in the Environmental Engineering and Agricultural Building Laboratory (TLBP).

Presentation of the TLBP Laboratory

Discussion on research at Lab. TLBP

Prof. Fujiwara explained that this visit was part of a series of Summer Course events organized by the Faculty of Forestry UGM. Given that some students have a background in Agricultural Engineering, they were invited to learn more about Smart Farming and Precision Agriculture at the Faculty of Agricultural Technology.

During the visit, the students were taken on a tour to view research posters and research equipment at the Smart Agri Plant Factory. Discussions about various possibilities for future collaboration were also an important part of the visit. The hope is that this visit will open opportunities for cooperation in the field of precision agriculture and strengthen the relationship between the two universities.

This visit highlighted the importance of agricultural productivity and innovation in addressing global food security challenges. By establishing partnerships in research and development, both UGM and Kyushu University aim to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the field of sustainable agriculture and food systems.

In addition to the tour, the students also participated in interactive sessions where they interacted with researchers and research students. This allowed them to gain a deeper understanding of ongoing projects and the impact of smart agricultural technology on increasing agricultural productivity.

Collaboration between UGM and Kyushu University is expected to result in joint research initiatives, student exchange programs, and knowledge sharing in the field of agricultural engineering. Such partnerships are vital in advancing sustainable agriculture goals and ensuring food security amid climate change and population growth.

Presentation of souvenirs by representatives of Kyushu University students

As the world continues to face food production challenges, initiatives such as this visit play an important role in educating the next generation of agricultural engineers and researchers. By working together, universities can leverage their strengths to develop innovative solutions that benefit local and global communities.

In conclusion, the visit of Kyushu University students to UGM marks a significant step toward increased collaboration in smart agriculture. It is evidence of both institutions' commitment to improving agricultural productivity and contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.