In a strategic collaboration, Faculty of Agriculture at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) had a discussion to team up with the PT Sumitomo Corporation and Nippon Telegraph and Telephone (NTT) to advance the integration of information technology and the Internet of Things (IoT) in agriculture. This partnership was discussed during an audience held on Thursday, 29 August 2024, in the Venture Room, AGLC Building, with the representatives from Sumitomo, NTT, along with the dean, vice-dean, head of departments, and head of units in Faculty of Agriculture UGM.
The collaboration aims to develop the innovative solutions for emission reduction in rice cultivation through the Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) method and to prepare for the launch of the Green Campus program. Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture UGM, Ir. Jaka Widada, M.P., Ph.D., expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, highlighting its potential to strengthen the link between academic and industrial sectors.
“This partnership between Faculty of Agriculture, Sumitomo, and NTT is a significant step in enhancing both academic and practical capacities for our institution, and it also promises to make a positive impact on sustainable agriculture development in Indonesia,” Jaka stated.
Vice-Dean for Research, Community Service, and Cooperation of Faculty of Agriculture UGM, Prof. Subejo, S.P., M.Sc., Ph.D., outlined the collaborative potential between UGM, Sumitomo, and NTT. He elaborated on the concept of Smart Eco-Bioproduction, the Faculty’s tagline and vision, and discussed strategic steps already undertaken to support the optimization of the Green Campus program at UGM.
“Faculty of Agriculture has undertaken several initiatives to support the Green Campus goals, including the construction of the Agrotropica Learning Center (AGLC), which received Final EDGE Certification from the Green Building Council Indonesia, the development of a co-working space in the grape park, conducting waste management, IoT-based agricultural innovations, and the use of electric buses on campus,” Prof. Subejo explained.
Both Sumitomo and NTT are optimistic that this collaboration will generate innovative solutions to address the challenges faced by Indonesian farmers and stimulate local economic growth. Through this partnership, Faculty of Agriculture UGM is committed to support sustainable agriculture and enhance community well-being through relevant education and research. In turn, Sumitomo and NTT are dedicated to providing cutting-edge technology that will benefit all parties involved and the broader community.
This collaborative effort aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, SDG 15: Life on Land, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
Author: Desi Utami