Medan, July 24, 2026 – The Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sumatera Utara (FP USU) has further strengthened its network of strategic partnerships through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) and an Implementation Agreement (IA) with the Tanjung Selamat Seed Center (UPT Balai Benih Induk/BBI). Held on Friday, July 24, 2026, at the Dean's Meeting Room of the Faculty of Agriculture USU, the signing marked a significant step toward advancing higher education and promoting sustainable agricultural development.

The agreements were signed by Dr. Rulianda Purnomo Wibowo, S.P., M.Ec., Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture USU, and Minarni, S.P., M.Agr., Head of the Tanjung Selamat Seed Center. The event was witnessed by the Vice Deans I and III of the Faculty of Agriculture USU, the Head and Secretary of the Bachelor's Degree Program in Agrotechnology, the Bachelor's Degree Program in Agrotechnology at the North Nias Campus (PSDKU), the Bachelor's Degree Program in Agribusiness, as well as Hendri Miraza, S.P., Head of the Production Division of the Tanjung Selamat Seed Center.

Through this partnership, both institutions are committed to strengthening collaboration in implementing the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, encompassing education, research, and community service. The scope of the collaboration includes the development of superior seeds, student internship programs, practitioner lectures, collaborative research, and the advancement of agricultural technology innovations that are expected to benefit both academia and society.

The partnership provides opportunities for students and lecturers to gain more practical experience through hands-on learning, collaborative research activities, and direct engagement with stakeholders in the agricultural sector. Such collaboration is expected to enhance graduates' competencies, enabling them to become more adaptive, innovative, and better prepared to address the evolving challenges of agricultural development.

Furthermore, the partnership between the Faculty of Agriculture USU and the Tanjung Selamat Seed Center represents a concrete commitment by both institutions to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The development of superior seeds and agricultural innovations contributes to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by supporting food security and improving agricultural productivity. Student internships, practitioner lectures, and collaborative research also reinforce SDG 4 (Quality Education) by providing learning experiences that align with industry needs and scientific advancements.

In addition, the promotion of applied research, technological innovation, and the downstream utilization of research outcomes supports SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) by fostering competitive agricultural technologies. Collectively, these collaborative initiatives also embody the spirit of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by strengthening partnerships between higher education institutions and government agencies to develop sustainable solutions for agricultural development.

Through the signing of the MoA and IA, the Faculty of Agriculture USU reaffirms its commitment to expanding collaboration with various stakeholders as part of its efforts to enhance educational quality, strengthen research and innovation, and make meaningful contributions to sustainable agricultural development in Indonesia.