Yogya (KU)- Following up the cooperation between Indonesia and Namibia to develop rice in Namibia, Rector of University of Namibia, Lasarus Hangula, and UGM Rector, Prof. Ir. Sudjarwadi, M.Eng., Ph.D., agreed to establish cooperation in agriculture. This was agreed when UGM Rector received the visit of University of Namibia team that was assisted by Secretary I at Embassy of Indonesia in Namibia, Toary C.F. Worang, at UGM Central Office, Wednesday (7/4).
“University of Namibia stated its intention to cooperate with Indonesia that they know as one of main rice producers in the world,†said Dean of Faculty of Agriculture, UGM, Prof. Ir. Triwibowo Yuwono, Ph.D., to the press after the meeting. He added that through the cooperation, it is hoped that Indonesia can immediately send agricultural experts to Namibia. In contrast, Namibia will send its farmers to learn rice planting in Indonesia. “They plan to send several farmers to learn agriculture in Indonesia,†he said.
The Dean said that Namibian farmers will be taught how to plant rice for three months at UGM. The duration is considered enough to teach farmers from the nation that gained its independence six years ago. “We offered them six months. The important point is how to plant rice. To know rice varieties suitable for Namibia, feasibility test is needed,†he said.
Meanwhile, Head of UGM Office of International Affairs, Dr. Eng. R. Rachmat A. Sriwijaya, S.T., M.T., explained that besides establishing cooperation in agriculture, cooperation in medical sciences is also planned. “This program is an excellent program between Indonesia and Namibia. This cooperation will open access for our south-south cooperation with other African nations,†he ended.