PT Garuda Global Impex is exploring a potential agricultural partnership with Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU) to develop aromatic crops, particularly rosemary. The meeting took place at the VIP Room of UMSU’s campus on Jalan Muchtar Basri No. 3, Medan, on Thursday (April 16).
The discussion was attended by the Owner of PT Garuda Global Impex, Ravi Teja, along with consultants and team members, and was welcomed by UMSU’s Vice Rector I, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Arifin, M.Hum, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture Prof. Dr. Ir. Wan Arfiani Barus, M.P, Vice Dean I Dr. Akbar Habib, S.P., M.P, and the OIC team.
Ravi Teja introduced the collaboration under the theme “Cultivation of Aromatic Crops in Indonesia as an Alternative Stable & High Income Generation.” He expressed optimism that the partnership with UMSU could unlock new economic opportunities in the agricultural sector.
“We hope to collaborate with UMSU and provide solutions for various opportunities. DGI and UMSU can work together to develop this initiative,” he stated.
He explained that rosemary cultivation is still relatively undeveloped in the Medan region, presenting strong potential as a new flagship commodity.
“Rosemary is not yet cultivated in Medan. Therefore, DGI plans to develop at least 1,000 hectares, including investment in processing facilities. The local climate is also suitable, with favorable rainfall conditions,” he added.
According to him, rosemary offers a relatively fast and sustainable harvest cycle.
“This plant can be harvested every four months and remains productive for up to eight to ten years. Its maintenance is simple, similar to trimming grass,” Ravi Teja explained.
In addition to its culinary uses, rosemary also has high economic value through the production of essential oils.
Responding to the proposal, UMSU Vice Rector I Prof. Arifin highlighted that the university has substantial land resources to support the development of aromatic crops.
“UMSU has approximately 24 hectares of land, with significant potential for further development. As a Muhammadiyah university, we are very open to collaboration in the agricultural sector,” he said.
He also noted that UMSU has been actively engaged in international partnerships to enhance the quality of education.
“We have collaborated with various partners, particularly with India in the Faculty of Medicine. For other fields, we are very open. We welcome this cooperation and will facilitate a site visit to our land,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Prof. Wan, emphasized that the university already has experience in developing essential oil-based and herbal products.
“I believe a field visit is necessary as a first step,” she stated.
She added that the Faculty of Agriculture has four study programs and available land that can be utilized for the initial phase of development.
“We currently have about one hectare of available land in the Amplas area that can serve as a starting point for cultivation,” she concluded.
