SLEMAN - Indonesia's biodiversity has the potential to promote the people's economy, including the unique and endemic potential of local fruit crops. Almost every region has a superior local fruit that can be an opportunity for the community economic development.

Supporting the opportunity, PT Great Giant Pineapple (PT GGP) is partnering with UPN "Veteran" Yogyakarta (UPNVY) to keep developing the local fruit into export commodities.

The cooperation between UPNVY and PT GGP is set forth in the text of the Memorandum of Understanding signed on May 3, 2018.

PT GGP is a producer and exporter of pineapple and banana which conducts its business in an integrated manner.

"The product of our company is horticultural crops, the more efficient production cost factor becomes a challenge to be able to compete in the international market," said Purwito, R & D Manager of PT GGP during a hearing with the Rector, at the 1st floor Meeting Room, UPN Condongcatur Campus, Friday (20/07/2018).

Hardono Nugroho, PT GGP R & D Advisor who attended the occasion said that his side is now exporting fruit products from PT GGP to 50 countries.

"We also cooperate with farmers in Lampung to grow ‘mas’ banana, and we have exported the harvests. Later we would like to cooperate with farmers in East Java to develop durian. Therefore, the cooperation with universities is necessary, " he said.

The Rector of UPNVY, Prof. Sari Bahagiarti in her speech appreciated the trust of PT GGP who has trusted UPNVY to be a cooperation partner. The Rector said that UPN is ready to collaborate in the form of research and community service.

"We are ready to implement this cooperation by utilizing the existing resources for the welfare and progress of the nation," said Rector. (wwj / publicist)