Universitas Andalas and Universitas Pertahanan Strengthen Cooperation in Tropical Wheat Development for Food Self-Sufficiency in Support of SDG 2 and SDG 17

Universitas Andalas and Universitas Pertahanan have established a partnership for the development of tropical wheat through the signing of a memorandum of understanding held at the Rector’s Office of Universitas Andalas, Limau Manis Campus, on Thursday, August 1, 2024. This step is closely related to SDG 2 on Zero Hunger and SDG 17 on Partnerships for the Goals, as the collaboration is intended to strengthen Indonesia’s food self-sufficiency through synergy between higher education institutions.

In a report published on August 2, 2024, the Rector of Universitas Andalas welcomed the partnership and stated that the university’s ongoing research on wheat development holds significant potential for further advancement in tropical regions, particularly in mediumland and highland areas. He also emphasized that this initiative is in line with Universitas Andalas’ commitment to contributing to national progress.

This cooperation builds upon the research experience that Universitas Andalas has developed in wheat cultivation in Indonesia. According to Universitas Andalas sources, the university has been developing wheat crops in Jorong Galagah, Nagari Alahan Panjang, Lembah Gumanti District, Solok Regency, since 2011. In addition, one of its lecturers, Nurwanita Ekasari Putri, has conducted intensive research on wheat varieties suited to Indonesia’s soil and climate conditions, and has successfully developed several varieties that are adaptive to the Indonesian environment.

From the side of Universitas Pertahanan, Vice Rector IV Major General TNI Susilo Adi Purwantoro stated that this cooperation is a direct mandate from the Minister of Defense to establish partnerships with universities that have expertise in agriculture, particularly in the development of food crops. Through this collaboration, the two universities are expected to produce new innovations, especially in the development of superior wheat varieties, while also strengthening national food security by reducing dependence on imports.

In addition to wheat development, the two universities have also opened opportunities for cooperation in education, research, and community service. As such, this partnership not only marks a serious commitment to the development of tropical wheat as a strategic commodity, but also shows that inter-university collaboration can serve as an important foundation for building a more independent and sustainable national food system.