Strengthening Research Collaboration, Kyushu University Student Researches Smart Farming at Smart Agriculture Research FTP UGM

Yogyakarta, February 25, 2025 – Machika Shimizu, a student from Kyushu University Japan, has begun a one-month research exchange program at the Laboratory of Environmental Engineering and Agricultural Buildings (TLBP) in the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (TPB) Faculty of Agricultural Technology (FTP) Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). The program runs from February 21 to March 26, 2025, and is a follow-up to the Summer Course organized by UGM's Faculty of Forestry in 2024.

Welcome Party for Machika Shimizu at the Laboratory of Environmental Engineering and Agricultural Buildings (TLBP)

During her time at UGM, Shimizu focuses on designing a system to monitor plant health using image processing and multispectral cameras. The research is conducted under the guidance of Dr. Andri Prima Nugroho at the TLBP Laboratory and Smart Agriculture Research Center (SARC) FTP UGM. Shimizu studies the application of Internet of Things (IoT) technology and develops a system that can analyze plant images to detect disease symptoms or nutrient deficiencies early on.

Shimizu's arrival was welcomed with a reception held by members of the TLBP Laboratory on February 25, 2025. At the event, Shimizu introduced herself, her university, and her research plans at UGM. The event was attended by Dr. Joko Nugroho, Head of the Laboratory of Environmental Engineering and Agricultural Buildings, as well as all laboratory members and researchers from the Smart Agriculture Research Center.

Machika Shimizu learns about Microcomputer – Raspberry Pi usage with Smart Agriculture researchers

This research exchange 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 is expected to strengthen research and educational cooperation between the two universities and provide valuable experience for students in studying agricultural issues in Indonesia.

The focus on smart agriculture aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in increasing 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 make a significant contribution to improving 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 on can lead to timely intervention, which ultimately increases harvest yields and sustainability.

Exchange student visits to Low-cost Smart Greenhouse research facilities and use of photosynthesis rate measurement instruments in the lab.

The collaboration between UGM and Kyushu University not only promotes academic exchange but also encourages innovation in agricultural technology. By sharing knowledge and expertise, the two institutions aim to address pressing challenges facing the agricultural sector in Indonesia and surrounding regions.

In conclusion, this research exchange program represents a significant step toward building a strong partnership between UGM and Kyushu University. It highlights the importance of international collaboration in advancing agricultural research and education, which ultimately contributes to achieving the SDGs.