Smart Agri UGM Partners with Wageningen University, Netherlands, in Preparation of Joint Supervision and Research Program 2025

Yogyakarta, March 14, 2025 – The Smart Agriculture Research Center (SARC) at the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) continues to demonstrate its commitment to advancing modern agriculture in Indonesia. This is marked by the holding of an online meeting between SARC UGM and Wageningen University and Research (WUR), Netherlands, on March 14, 2025. This meeting is part of the preparation for the implementation of a joint supervision and research program in 2025 and the initiation of a joint supervision partnership for the research program of Athala Fawwaz, a UGM master's student, which focuses on the utilization of plant phenotyping technology to increase crop productivity in indoor agriculture.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Joseph Peller and Dr. Ing. Gerrit Polder from WUR, Prof. Lilik Sutiarso from UGM, Athala Fawwaz, and Dr. Andri Prima Nugroho as facilitator. WUR, known as one of the world's leading universities in agriculture and life sciences, welcomed this collaboration offer. WUR's expertise in image processing and plant phenotyping is considered highly relevant to Athala's research.

Athala's research employs a data-driven approach to address the challenges of indoor agriculture, such as high energy consumption and microclimate fluctuations. By utilizing computational modeling, Internet of Things (IoT) technology, and hyperspectral imaging, this research is expected to improve energy efficiency and real-time plant health monitoring.

This joint supervision partnership will provide Athala with the opportunity to receive guidance and input from WUR, Netherlands, for the implementation of her research. This collaboration not only strengthens UGM's international network but also promotes the transfer of knowledge and modern agricultural technology to Indonesia. It is hoped that the results of this research will contribute to the development of sustainable indoor agriculture and address food security challenges in the future.

Smart Agriculture Research UGM continues to play an active role in realizing innovative modern agriculture that has a positive impact on society. With a focus on agricultural productivity and adaptation to climate change, this initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that aim to ensure sustainable food production systems and resilient agricultural practices.

Beyond increasing agricultural productivity, the collaboration with WUR is expected to advance research that addresses the impact of climate change on agriculture. Given that climate change poses a significant threat to food security, the integration of advanced technology in agriculture is essential for developing adaptive strategies.

The partnership between UGM and WUR reflects global efforts to address pressing agricultural challenges through research and innovation. By combining resources and expertise, both institutions aim to create solutions that can be implemented in Indonesia and the surrounding region, ensuring a sustainable future for agriculture.

As the demand for food production increases amid changing climate conditions, initiatives such as this are critical. They not only enhance agricultural productivity but also promote sustainable practices that can withstand the test of time and environmental change.

In conclusion, the collaboration between Smart Agri UGM and Wageningen University marks a significant step toward the modernization of agriculture in Indonesia. With a focus on research and technology, this partnership is poised to deliver lasting impact on the agricultural landscape, contributing to the achievement of the SDGs and ensuring food security for future generations.