BIOTROP and Bluline Venture signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on sorghum development in Southeast Sulawesi  on 28 April 2015 at Centre’s headquarter in Bogor.  The MoU aims to support  the government’s program in reaching food sovereignty based on Food Constitution No. 18 year 2012.

Sorghum is among the top 5 priority cereal crops in Indonesia that can grow in dry and marginalized lands and can be developed into biofuel, food and feed. Since 2009, BIOTROP, through its lead scientist Dr. Supriyanto, has developed technologies to maximize and promote production and multi-uses of sorghum in several provinces in Indonesia.  On the other hand, Bluline Venture is a private company which invests in food, energy, and water development projects in various parts of Indonesia.  Thus, both institutions have selected Konawe Regency, Southeast Sulawesi to be their pilot site for this collaboration. The said Regency has vast idle lands and varied climatic conditions.

The MoU will cover  (1) adaptation test of some sorghum varieties to support sorghum-based agroindustries; (2) technical assistance in research and capacity building in sorghum cultivation; and (3) other aspects related to sorghum development in Indonesia.

Dr Machmud Achmad, Bluline Venture Executive Director, stated that the company will provide  technical guidance to maintain sorghum plantation and cultivation. On the other hand, BIOTROP will supply the superior varieties to be planted in the project site. .

The MoU was signed by BIOTROP DirectorDr Irdika Mansur  and Dr Machmud Achmad.  It  is valid for two  years from the effective date of the signing.