Joint Supervision UGM – UPM: Smart Agri UGM Researcher Participates in Research Exchange at Universiti Putra Malaysia for Spectral Sensor Utilization in Indoor Farming

Serdang, Malaysia – Arifa Haryani, a master's student in Agricultural Engineering from the Department of Agricultural Engineering and Biosystems, Faculty of Agricultural Technology UGM, participated in a week-long research exchange program at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) on December 16-26, 2024. The program is part of a joint supervision collaboration between UGM and UPM funded by the Directorate of Partnerships and Global Relations UGM, with the principal advisor being Ir. Andri Prima Nugroho, Ph.D., IPU., ASEAN Eng at the Smart Agriculture Research Center (SARC) UGM. The co-advisor is Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nazmi Mat Nawi, Head of the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering at UPM. Arifa's research focus is on the utilization of spectral sensors to enhance plant quality in indoor farming systems.

Laboratory Tour and viewing of sensor prototype developed in the Laboratory

During her visit, Arifa not only had the opportunity to initiate her research but also gained valuable additional experiences. She visited UPM's spectral laboratory, where she was introduced to spectral analysis technology for plant quality assessment. Arifa learned how spectral instruments work in detecting plant health based on spectral reflectance values and light wavelengths reflected, using instruments such as Spectroscopy C Circuit, HR 4000CG-UV-NIR, Ocean optics halogen light square HL 2000, and SPAD. She also trained in analyzing data from several plant samples, comparing data from SPAD and spectroscopy using Spectragryph software. Assoc. Prof. Nazmi provided important guidance, such as optimizing sensor positioning to improve data accuracy and recommending the number of measurement repetitions for each treatment.

Arifa conducting observations at UPM Laboratory

Through this program, Arifa obtained valuable input regarding optimization of her research methodology, including sensor placement, sample size, and real-time spectral data collection. Hands-on practical experience in analyzing spectral data using spectroscopy enhanced her skills and supported further research. Discussions and presentations during the visit strengthened academic relationships between the two universities, paving the way for future research collaboration. By implementing the recommendations obtained, the quality and validity of Arifa's research are expected to improve significantly.

The success of this program demonstrates the commitment of UGM and UPM in promoting innovation and international collaboration in the field of agriculture, while contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through improved productivity and food security. The integration of advanced technology such as spectral sensors in indoor farming aligns with the SDGs' focus on sustainable agricultural practices and increased agricultural productivity.

Arifa expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to participate in this program, stating that the experience has broadened her perspective on agricultural research and technology. She emphasized the importance of collaboration among institutions to address global challenges in agriculture, particularly in the context of food security and sustainability. The knowledge gained from UPM will surely influence her future research efforts and contribute to the development of innovative solutions in the agricultural sector.

As the world faces increasingly pressing challenges related to food production and environmental sustainability, initiatives such as the UGM-UPM joint supervision program play an important role in preparing future agricultural engineers with the skills and knowledge needed to drive positive change. This collaboration not only enhances academic learning but also fosters the spirit of innovation essential for addressing the urgent issues of our time.