Banda Aceh, October 8, 2026 — Lecturers from the Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), actively participated in the 8th International Conference on Agriculture and Agroindustry (ICAGRI), organized by Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK) in Banda Aceh on October 7–8, 2026.
The conference served as a scientific forum for academics, researchers, and practitioners to share research findings, exchange ideas, and discuss various innovations and the latest developments in agriculture and agroindustry. The participation of lecturers from the Faculty of Agriculture USU also formed part of efforts to expand research dissemination and strengthen academic networks at both national and international levels.
At the 8th ICAGRI, the Faculty of Agriculture USU was represented by Vira Irma Sari, S.P., M.Si., and Julieta Christy, S.P., M.Agr., as presenters, and Rouzatul Nafisah, S.P., M.Si., as a participant.
Vira Irma Sari, S.P., M.Si., presented a review article entitled “Dark Septate Endophyte as Biostimulants for Oil Palm Seedlings: Mechanisms of Root Colonization, Growth Promotion, and Stress Resilience.” The research explored the potential of dark septate endophytes as biostimulants for oil palm seedlings, focusing on root colonization mechanisms, plant growth promotion, and their role in improving the resilience of oil palm seedlings under stress conditions.
Meanwhile, Julieta Christy, S.P., M.Agr., presented an article entitled “Growth Performance and Descriptive Bioactive Compound Profile of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) Microgreens under Different Growing Media and AB Mix Concentrations.” The research examined growth performance and bioactive compound profiles in okra microgreens grown using different growing media and AB Mix concentrations. This study is relevant to the development of efficient plant production systems with the potential to produce food containing valuable bioactive compounds.
In addition to the two presenters, Rouzatul Nafisah, S.P., M.Si., participated in the conference. Her participation provided an opportunity to broaden her understanding of developments in agricultural research and innovation, engage in scientific discussions, and expand networks with academics and researchers from various institutions.
The 8th ICAGRI featured a series of activities, including keynote speeches, scientific presentations, discussions, and parallel sessions. Through these sessions, participants not only gained information about the latest research findings but also had opportunities to exchange perspectives and discuss various challenges and opportunities for the future development of agriculture and agroindustry.
The active participation of lecturers from the Faculty of Agriculture USU in this conference demonstrates their commitment to advancing research, disseminating scientific knowledge, and strengthening academic networks and collaboration. Presenting research findings at scientific forums such as ICAGRI also provides opportunities to receive academic feedback that can support further research development.
This activity also contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2: Zero Hunger, through the development of innovations and knowledge to support sustainable agricultural and food systems. Research on biostimulants for oil palm seedlings and the development of microgreens also demonstrates efforts to generate innovations that can support productivity and more efficient utilization of agricultural resources.
Furthermore, participation in scientific forums and knowledge exchange supports SDG 4: Quality Education through strengthening academic capacity and a culture of knowledge sharing, as well as SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals through expanding networks and opportunities for research collaboration among higher education institutions and stakeholders.
Through participation in the 8th ICAGRI, the Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sumatera Utara, continues to strengthen its role in producing, developing, and disseminating scientific knowledge and innovations in agriculture. This activity is expected to create broader opportunities for collaboration and make tangible contributions to the development of innovative, adaptive, and sustainable agriculture.