Prof Sudradjat Becomes a Visiting Lecturer at the Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra Slovakia
Prof Sudradjat, Professor of the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, IPB University, gave a public lecture at the Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra Slovakia, some time ago. Participants in the public lecture were students and lecturers of the Faculty of Horticulture and Landscape, Faculty of Engineering, Slovak University of Agriculture.
The topic of the public lecture is Indonesia Oil Palm Plantation: Advanced Technology Approach to Increase Productivity. The lecture material is related to the history and development of oil palm plantations, challenges and opportunities, environmental issues and best practices of oil palm cultivation.
In this activity, Prof Sudradjat specifically conveyed the results of the research he was doing with Prof Kudang B Seminar, namely the PreciPalm software. This innovation determines nutrient status and improves fertilization efficiency in oil palm plantations. PreciPalm uses data originating from the Sentinel 2 satellite which is processed with DSS fertilizer to obtain results in the form of fertilizer recommendations.
"This public lecture is to provide information that Indonesian palm oil is managed properly and follows Roundtable Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) and Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) regulations," he explained.
Besides giving a public lecture, Prof Sudradjat also accompanied the Indonesian Ambassador to Slovakia, Dr Pribadi Sutiono, in a discussion with the leadership of the Slovak University of Agriculture. This discussion is to increase cooperation between universities in Indonesia and universities in Slovakia. The Indonesian Ambassador's visit was received by the Institutional Coordinator of the Slovak University of Agriculture, Lucia Palšová, PhD and Mgr Vladislav Valach.
According to Prof Sudradjat, between IPB University and the Slovak University of Agriculture, there was a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which was signed by the Rector of IPB University, Prof Arif Satria and the Rector of Slovak University of Agriculture, Dr hc Prof Ing Peter Bielik, PhD, in 2018. Thus the MoU will end soon.
"The MoU between IPB University and the Slovak University of Agriculture has not been implemented optimally due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the importance of collaboration between universities, IPB University Deputy Chancellor for Global Connectivity, Cooperation and Alumni Relations, Prof Iskandar Z Siregar assigned me to discuss the extension of the MoU between the two universities," he added.
Meanwhile, according to Dr Pribadi, the Indonesian Embassy (KBRI) really encouraged and appreciated this collaboration because the two universities focused on agriculture.
The Slovak University of Agriculture welcomed the plan to extend the MoU of the two universities and at the same time wished to visit IPB University. In addition to scientific cooperation, it is also proposed that the Indonesian Embassy will present arts and cultural performances on campus which will promote Indonesia at the same time. The university has also provided an Indonesian Corner to facilitate cooperation between Indonesia and Slovakia. (*/Zul) (IAAS/MFR)
