Universitas Andalas Holds International Summer Course on Innovation in Plant Protection for Healthy and Eco-Friendly Rice Cultivation

Padang, October 10, 2025 – Universitas Andalas (Unand), through its Faculty of Agriculture, is preparing to host an international Summer Course themed “Innovation in Plant Protection for Healthy and Environmentally Friendly Rice Cultivation.” The program, part of the EQUITY THE Impact Ranking initiative, is scheduled to take place from November 19 to December 2, 2025, and is currently in the process of participant recruitment and administrative preparation.

This program involves collaboration with national and international partners. Two experts from Vietnam will join as guest lecturers and international collaborators: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Kack Hoang from Nong Lam University, an expert in parasitoid propagation, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Thi Hoang Dong from Hue University, who specializes in biological control and plant protection. Dr. My Syahrawati, SP, M.Si, a lecturer from the Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Andalas, serves as the Program Coordinator.

The Summer Course aims to enhance participants’ understanding of rice insect identification techniques, both morphologically and molecularly, through lecture sessions and laboratory practices measured by pre-test and post-test results. Participants will also receive training in rearing natural enemies such as predators and parasitoids, enabling them to maintain at least one colony during the program. In addition, the course provides hands-on experience in formulating botanical pesticides and propagating biopesticides to produce ready-to-use formulations. Field visits to farmer groups are also included, where participants will identify local pest control practices and prepare reflection reports. Beyond academic activities, participants will explore local wisdom and the Minangkabau matrilineal culture through cultural excursions and creative workshops focusing on insect-based innovations that promote creativity and sustainability.

Vice Rector IV of Universitas Andalas, Prof. Henmaidi, emphasized that the Summer Course marks a significant step in expanding Unand’s international academic network. “This activity showcases how Unand can foster cross-country collaboration aimed at strengthening academic capacity and applied research. By engaging international partners, we not only enrich student experiences but also reinforce Unand’s position as a globally reputable university,” he stated.

Director of Cooperation and Research Commercialization, Dr. Eng. Muhammad Makky, noted that this program aligns with Unand’s commitment to developing impactful education. “The Summer Course is a concrete form of research downstreaming in the field of plant protection, directly connected to the needs of society and industry. This collaboration demonstrates how academic activities can become catalysts for innovation and sustainability,” he explained.

Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Andalas, Prof. Dr. Ir. Indra Dwipa, M.Si, highlighted that this program represents the faculty’s concrete contribution to impactful higher education. “We aim to deepen students’ understanding of sustainable agriculture by integrating research, field practices, and relevant local values. This program is expected to serve as a collaborative platform connecting academics, students, and agricultural practitioners at national and international levels,” he said.

Program Coordinator, Dr. My Syahrawati, emphasized that the Summer Course is not merely an academic activity but a platform for cross-cultural learning and scientific collaboration. “We aim to provide a holistic learning experience where participants not only gain knowledge but also understand the social, cultural, and ecological contexts of healthy and environmentally friendly agricultural practices,” she expressed.

For those interested in participating in this program, registration can be completed via the following link: https://tinyurl.com/2025ppcourse

The 2025 Summer Course organized by the Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Andalas, is expected to strengthen the university’s contribution to sustainable agricultural development while reaffirming Unand’s role as a higher education institution actively supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This activity is funded by the Indonesian Endowment Fund for Education (LPDP) on behalf of the Indonesian Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, and managed under the EQUITY Program (Contract No. 4304/B3/DT.03.08/2025).