Department of TMB IPB University Holds Summer Course Smart Agriculture for Sustainable Food and Bioenergy Production
Department of Mechanical and Biosystem Engineering (TMB), Faculty of Agricultural Technology (Fateta) IPB University successfully organized The 7th Summer Course 2024 entitled “Smart Agriculture for Sustainable Food and Bioenergy Production”. The program lasted for a week (4-11/11), attended by 20 participants from three countries, which were France, the Philippines, and Indonesia.
The summer course aims to introduce the concept of smart agriculture with a focus on technological innovations that support sustainable food and bioenergy production. The event was opened by Dr Edy Hartulistiyoso, Chairman of the Department of TMB IPB University who hoped that participants could take knowledge from this activity and apply it in their place of origin to support sustainable food and energy security.
Lilis Sucahyo, STP, MSi as the program coordinator said, this activity is a means of student learning related to technology and innovation in the field of smart agriculture which is very important in facing global challenges to food and energy security. “We hope that the knowledge gained can increase the participants’ insight and concern for sustainable food and energy issues,” he said.
Participants were divided into small groups to facilitate interaction and cooperation during the program. On the first day, participants received lectures delivered by Prof Kudang Boro Seminar and Dr Lenny Saulia. Participants also joined IPB’s campus tour which included visits to the IPB Future Museum and Gallery, SDGs Lake, and Innovation Park.
“The application of precision agriculture can help optimize the use of resources and increase production yields significantly, while still maintaining environmental sustainability,” said Prof Kudang in his material.
On the second day, the program continued with material on the application of IoT in crop production in the plant factory by Dr Slamet Widodo, and the use of drones and satellites for sustainable agricultural production by Dr Liyantono. Dr Leopold O Nelwan also provided material related to solar and photovoltaic energy technology to support sustainable agriculture.
The participants also had the opportunity to visit the Center for Plant Phenotyping and Controlled Environment Agriculture (CPP-CEA) research facility to see first-hand the role of technology in monitoring and controlling various aspects of the agricultural environment more efficiently.
Furthermore, on the third day, participants visited IPB University’s Agribusiness and Technology Park (ATP) to learn about greenhouse and hydroponic technology with Prof Herry Hartulistiyoso. Here, they were introduced to multispectral drones to map crop conditions in detail, thermal drones to detect field temperature and plant health conditions, and drone sprayers for precision spraying of pesticides or fertilizers. This session was one of the most interesting experiences for the participants.
On the fourth day, summer course participants received a lecture and hands-on practice with Dr Muhamad Yulianto on the utilization of biomass as a power plant with rankine cycle technology. They also visited IPB University’s Science and Techno Park (STP) to witness various tenants and innovations of IPB University in the field of advanced agriculture.
Entering the last day, the participants’ attention was directed to the use of biomass for food and bioenergy that can be utilized in agriculture. The lecture was delivered by Dr Nanik Purwanti. Furthermore, participants learned about the manufacture of soap and candles from waste cooking oil, biodiesel from palm oil by Dr Dyah Wulandani and the production of biopellets and biobriquettes as a source of bioenergy by Ir Sri Endah Agustina.
In addition, they also visited PT SWEN IT Inovasi to learn about biogas technology from livestock waste that is relevant for sustainable agriculture and animal husbandry.
“We learned a lot here, especially about the sustainable utilization of natural resources. I hope to bring back this experience and develop it in the future,” said a participant from the Philippines.
Participants from Indonesia also appreciated the program. “I am very grateful for this opportunity and ready to contribute in realizing food and energy security through smart agriculture,” he said.
The event ended with a closing ceremony by Dr Edy Hartulistiyoso. In his closing speech, he expressed his hope that this summer course can continue and develop in the future with a wider scope of countries and participants.
“We hope that this activity can be a place to build sustainable international collaboration. Through this program, the TMB Department of IPB University is committed to continuing to develop and support innovative programs to achieve sustainable food security and bioenergy at the global level,” he concluded. (*/Rz) (IAAS/RUM)
