The Rector of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Professor Ova Emilia, welcomed a visit from the Executive Director of the Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform of Namibia, Ndiyakupi Nghituwamata, on Wednesday (May 22) in the Leadership Meeting Room, UGM Central Office.
During the meeting, Nghituwamata expressed Namibia’s desire to expand cooperation between the Indonesian government and Namibia. Cooperation was also previously established between UGM and the University of Namibia (UNAM) in agricultural development.
“She wants to strengthen the existing cooperation between Namibia and Indonesia. Since this is specifically university-level cooperation, the agricultural collaboration between UGM and UNAM will be expanded, focusing on seed production, vaccines, and community service programs (KKN),” said Professor Taryono of the UGM Faculty of Agriculture, relaying Nghituwamata’s message.
UGM Rector Professor Emilia noted that the cooperation between UGM and the University of Namibia has been initiatedsince 2009. The latest collaborative project, developed in 2022, involves the development of tissue culture technology.
UGM has agreed with the Namibian Ministry of Agriculture to explore collaboration opportunities in developing and producing crop seeds suitable for Namibia’s dry land and climate conditions, supporting Namibia’s food security and self-sufficiency programs.
“Coincidentally, we are promoting the Gamagora rice variety, which can be planted during the dry season and in rainfed fields, especially in light of the current global climate change issues,” she stated.
The rector also mentioned that the Namibian delegation is interested in collaborating on the UGM KKN-PPM to provide students with practical experience in applying their knowledge to solve community issues.
During their visit to UGM, the Namibian delegation toured the Faculty of Agriculture’s laboratories and the Agrotechnology Innovation Center (PIAT). They also reviewed the progress of the seed breeding center at UNAM, comparing it directly with the facilities at UGM.
Author: Gusti Grehenson
Photographer: Donnie