SAU, Indonesian consulate forge new academic, research and export partnerships

HYDERABAD: In a significant step towards enhancing agricultural collaboration, the Indonesian consulate and Sindh Agriculture University (SAU), Tando Jam, on Monday announced the establishment of new academic and research exchange programmes.

The partnership includes a proposal from the Indonesian Consulate General for research support focused on oil palm cultivation in Pakistan. This initiative stresses the need for collaboration in agriculture, food security, climate change and faculty exchange programmes, particularly targeting oil palm, rice, and other exportable crops.

Dr June Kuncoro Hadiningrat, the consul general of Indonesia, addressed a seminar titled ‘Strengthening Pakistan and Indonesia Collaboration in Agriculture’ at the SAU. He highlighted that academic and research initiatives at the university would foster stronger relations between the two nations and offered support for various agricultural projects aimed at enhancing oil palm cultivation.

The Indonesian diplomat stressed the importance of diversifying Pakistan’s exports to Indonesia to address the current trade imbalance. He noted that while Pakistan imported oil palms from Indonesia, it had successfully exported rice to Indonesia over the past two years. The trade volume between the two countries had reached $4.5 billion, accounting for just 4.4 per cent of Pakistan’s total trade. This year, Indonesia imported 500,000 metric tons of rice from Pakistan in a short timeframe.

Dr June also pointed out that Indonesia, as a G20 member, had global exports exceeding $120 billion.

Dr Fateh Marri, SAU vice chancellor, expressed his desire for new faculty exchange initiatives and sharing of agricultural knowledge and research. He said he aimed to bridge business relations with Indonesia, focusing on agricultural exports. He mentioned ongoing experiments with oil palm in Tando Jam and coastal Sindh, with plans to promote research on Indonesian oil palm varieties.

Dr Marri underscored the vital role of academic experts and business investors from both countries in enhancing research and commercial ties. He expressed eagerness for technical and faculty exchanges with Indonesian universities and noted that contacts had already been initiated.

The event attracted notable attendees, including Ghulam Sarwar Panhwar from MH Panhwar Farms, Haji Nisar Memon, and Indonesian diplomat Heriyanto. Dr Abdul Mubeen Lodhi, Director of Advanced Studies, briefed participants on SAU, while Dr Allah Wadhayo Gandahi discussed the oil palm project under his supervision.

Other attendees included Dean Dr Altaf Siyal, Dr. Ghiyasuddin Shah Rashidi, Dr Aijaz Ali Khooharo, Dr. Muhammad Ismail Kumbhar, Dr Zia-ul-Hassan Shah, Dr Tanveer Fatima Miano, social leader Suleman G. Abro, progressive farmer Nabi Bux Sathio, and members of the Indonesian delegation and their families, along with numerous teachers and students.