For the past year, UGM has collaborated with New Zealand in agriculture and farming that involves Faculty of Biology and Faculty of Economics and Business. They team up with Shafers Ltd., an international trade company specialising in agricultural products such as melon, pineapple, kiwi, and blackberry.
Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., expert in melon cultivation visited New Zealand to observe research development of melon in Auckland and Keri Keri as a follow-up to the collaboration that had been initiated previously.
Daryono said the results of the observation would be utilised by UGM and Shafers Ltd. for the preparation of melon cultivation in Indonesia. The melon will be made a superior export fruit commodity to Japan, Singapore, Qatar, Bahrain, and some other Middle East countries. Shafers Ltd’s representatives, namely John Shafer, Brin Thorington, and Mike Te-Aranga, also expected the role of UGM in pineapple cultivation as fresh cut fruit for world export.
Separately, Dr. Paripurna P. Sugarda, S.H., L.L.M, Vice-Rector for Cooperation and Alumni UGM, expected from the collaboration to be able to develop agro-technology as well as strengthen Indonesia’s position as one of fruit exporters.
“Indonesia is strong as it is recognised as a world fruit producer and this should be continued,” Paripurna said.