The West Sumatra Provincial Government (Pemprov Sumbar) has officially strengthened its strategic collaboration with the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA) of Andalas University (Unand) to accelerate the downstreaming of research findings into regional development programs. This partnership focuses on the application of practical innovations, such as maggot cultivation technology for waste management and the BioVORA bioactivator to support the sustainable agriculture sector.
During a meeting at the Gubernatorial Palace in Padang on Thursday (30/7/2026), the Governor of West Sumatra, Mahyeldi Ansharullah, emphasized the importance of concrete implementation of academic research. According to him, higher education innovations should not merely end up as scientific documents in libraries, but must be applied tangibly to resolve various real issues in society.
One of the main focuses of this collaboration is the utilization of maggot technology (Black Soldier Fly/BSF). This innovation is projected to significantly reduce the volume of organic waste while producing high-quality alternative feed with economic value for the local livestock and fisheries sectors. In addition, the introduction of BioVORA, a local microbe-based bioactivator, is expected to accelerate the production of organic fertilizers to support regional food security.
Furthermore, the collaboration also explores the use of tissue culture technology to produce superior plant seedlings and preserve germplasm. The galo-galo bee cultivation program was also presented as a new economic opportunity for the community, which also contributes to environmental conservation.
The Dean of FMIPA Unand, Prof. Dr. Mai Efdi, expressed full commitment to making his institution an engine of innovation that directly impacts the community. To realize this, the Head of the West Sumatra Research and Development Agency (Balitbang), Febrina Tri Susila Putri, stated that her office would soon draft concrete steps and coordinate this collaborative program, including capacity-building efforts for civil servants (ASN) based on technology.
