Sumedang, August 7th, 2024 – Widyatama University officially established cooperation with the Sumedang Regency Government through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) related to the development and processing of organic rice produced in Cikurubuk Village. The signing ceremony took place at the Sumedang Regency Government Office and was attended by academic representatives from Widyatama University and local government officials.
This MoU is meant to boost the teamwork between academics and the government to improve the quality and productivity of organic rice farming in Sumedang Regency. Widyatama University, as an educational institution with strengths in research and technology, will play an active role in helping the Sumedang Regional Government develop sustainable organic rice processing methods.
According to the Acting Regent of Sumedang, Yudia Ramli, this MoU has a very broad and important scope for agricultural development in the region.
“This cooperation does not only focus on organic rice production, but also includes research from upstream to downstream. Widyatama University will assist in various aspects, ranging from the planting process, soil pH analysis, to the processing and distribution of production results,” said Ramli.
Furthermore, the Acting Regent added that this research is expected to improve the quality of organic rice produced by Cikurubuk Village, so that it can compete in the local and national markets. Cikurubuk Village itself has long been known as one of the leading producers of organic rice in Sumedang Regency.
Dr. Didit Damur Rochman, S.T., M.T., IPU., ASEAN Eng., Vice Rector for Research, Community Service, Innovation, and Cooperation at Widyatama University, said that his party is very enthusiastic about this collaboration.
“We are ready to give our best contribution to advancing the agricultural sector in Sumedang. With comprehensive research and technological support, we hope to provide effective solutions to increase environmentally friendly agricultural yields,” he said.
Kerja sama ini juga diharapkan dapat memberikan dampak positif bagi masyarakat setempat, terutama para petani di Desa Cikurubuk. Selain peningkatan kualitas produk, mereka juga akan mendapatkan pengetahuan baru tentang teknik-teknik pertanian yang lebih modern dan efisien.
Dengan adanya MoU ini, diharapkan Kabupaten Sumedang dapat menjadi contoh bagi daerah lain dalam mengembangkan pertanian organik yang berkelanjutan, dengan melibatkan berbagai pihak mulai dari pemerintah, akademisi, hingga masyarakat lokal.
