Agribusiness Study Program Andalas University Students Participate in the Sakura Science Invitation Program at Kanazawa University

PADANG - Three students of the Agribusiness Study Program Andalas University English Language Class (KBI) class year of 2020, namely Elisa Aldini, Tavania Andrea and Vanessa Octarina took part in the Sakura Science Invitation Program in November 2022. This program is a field study and cultural exploration activity organized by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) and Kanazawa University in collaboration with Andalas University. The scope of this activity focuses on the field of ecological science in rural areas that have a friendly agricultural technology for wildlife.

 

This program is fully-funded in which all costs required for this program are funded by the Japanese side, starting from making visas, flight tickets from Padang to Japan (2 Way), lodging accommodations, transportation while in Japan, food to tickets to enter tourist attractions. This program was carried out for 2 weeks, starting from November 7 to November 21 2022. On November 6 2022, students departed from Minangkabau International Airport (BIM) and arrived at Haneda Airport in Tokyo Japan on November 7 2022.

In this program students get an explanation of agricultural cultivation practices, namely persimmon cultivation at Yata Farm, Sado Island. Yata Farm implements zero-chemical farming practices, not using chemicals in persimmon cultivation. In addition, students also observed the diversity of paddy field ecosystems on Sado Island.

Tavania Andrea (Left), Vanessa Octarina (middle) and Elisa Aldini (right).

Apart from field studies, the students also visited several historical and tourist attractions while carrying out cultural exploration, including visiting Shirakawa-go, one of the most beautiful villages in Japan and a UNESCO world natural heritage site, Hakusan Insect Museum, riding a tarai-bune (traditional Japanese boat), making stone and bamboo crafts, visiting a gold mine on Sado Island, visiting the Toki bird conservation center which is an endangered species and walking around the Kanazawa city square. After conducting surveys and field studies, students make presentations at Kanazawa University.

Through the Sakura Science Invitation Program, students can learn a lot about Japanese culture, such as being punctual, disciplined and upholding cleanliness. In addition, the good service by the organizers and the workers from the field study is something that cannot be forgotten.

The students were also given brochures to gain knowledge and information regarding each place visited during the field study activities. The activity agenda is also very well organized so that all agendas can run smoothly. This makes the 2 weeks spent through the Sakura Science Invitation Program a valuable experience every day. (RM).

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