Smart Agri UGM Research Visit to Universiti Putra Malaysia: Building Collaboration in Precision Agriculture

Serdang, Malaysia – From December 16 to 19, 2024, a research team from the Smart Agriculture Research Center (SARC), Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Faculty of Agricultural Technology 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 field of precision and smart agriculture.

The team, led by Dr. Ir. Andri Prima Nugroho, STP., M.Sc., Ph.D., IPU., ASEAN Eng., consisted of UGM lecturers and students, including Arifa Haryani, S.T., who will conduct exchange research at UPM. Team members present included Dr. Mohammad Affan Fajar Falah, Ardan Wiratmoko, M.Sc., Rohmad Basuki, S.TP, and the Smart Agriculture Research Team. This initiative is expected to enhance agricultural productivity through innovative research and collaboration.

Following a meeting with Assoc. Prof. Nazmi Mat Nawi, Head of the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering UPM

The visit included several important activities. First, the team accompanied Arifa Haryani to begin her exchange research at UPM, which focuses on the utilization of spectral sensors to improve plant quality in indoor farming systems. Arifa will be supervised by Assoc. Prof. Nazmi Mat Nawi, Head of the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering UPM. This research is particularly important as it aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aimed at increasing 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, UPM. This session provided a platform for exchanging ideas and exploring opportunities for innovation in precision agriculture, which is crucial for addressing challenges faced by the agricultural sector. The sharing session was led directly by Assoc. Prof. Nazmi Mat Nawi together with researchers and research members at the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering UPM.

Third, the UGM team visited various laboratory and research facilities at UPM. This visit enabled them to observe cutting-edge technologies and methodologies applied in agricultural research, further enriching their understanding and capabilities in this field.

Fourth, there was in-depth discussion regarding future research collaboration, including the development of joint research proposals. This discussion was important for establishing a framework for sustainable cooperation and ensuring that both institutions can leverage their respective strengths in agricultural research.

The Smart Agri team met with Prof. Rosnah Shamsudin and Prof. Rasyid

Additionally, the team also 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 engineering, highlighting challenges and opportunities in this field, which is highly relevant to the efforts being undertaken in precision agriculture.

The Smart Agriculture team attended a guest lecture from Prof. Jay from North Carolina State University

This visit demonstrates UGM's commitment to strengthening its international networks and promoting innovation in agriculture. By collaborating with UPM, both institutions aim to enhance their research capacity and contribute to the global discourse on sustainable agricultural practices.

This collaboration is expected to result in joint publications and strengthen research capacity at both institutions, which will ultimately contribute to improving agricultural productivity and sustainability. As the world faces increasingly growing food security challenges, partnerships such as this are essential for developing innovative solutions that can be applied in various agricultural contexts.

In conclusion, the research visit to UPM marks a significant step in UGM's efforts to engage in meaningful research collaboration that aligns with the SDGs. The outcomes of this visit will not only benefit the institutions involved but will also have a broader impact on the agricultural sector in the region and beyond.