At the end of February, Ihor Kovalenko, rector of Sumy National Agrarian University, was part of a delegation from Sumy region that went on a working visit to the autonomous community of Murcia (Spain). The visit was a continuation of the agreements reached on November 18 last year during the signing of the Protocol of Intentions for Cooperation between the Sumy region and the region of Murcia, and marked the beginning of the practical stage of implementation of joint initiatives.
A key result for the university was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between SNAU and the AgritechMurcia agro-industrial innovation platform. The document provides for the development of joint research in the field of high-precision agriculture, digitalization of agricultural production, as well as analysis and restoration of soils contaminated or damaged as a result of military operations. For the university, this opens up opportunities to expand access to modern technologies, European expertise, and international scientific programs.
The visit program included working meetings with the management of IMIDA (Institute for Agricultural and Environmental Research and Development), representatives of the University of Murcia, and INFO Región de Murcia. The discussions focused on technology transfer mechanisms, the development of applied research, the preparation of joint educational programs, and the involvement of universities in the region’s innovation ecosystem.
Particular attention was paid to cooperation with high-tech companies, in particular OdinS, which specializes in the development of intelligent monitoring systems for the agricultural sector. The presented solutions for remote soil condition monitoring, irrigation management, and analytical data collection are practical tools capable of increasing the efficiency of modern agricultural production. During the negotiations, Ihor Kovalenko presented the current situation in the Sumy region to his partners and outlined the challenges facing the region and the agricultural sector in wartime. The Spanish side was particularly interested in the restoration of degraded land, environmental monitoring, and the introduction of digital technologies in the post-war reconstruction process.
“It is fundamentally important for us that international cooperation has practical results. We are interested in joint research, innovation, and the restoration of land damaged by the war. SNAU is ready to be an active partner in the implementation of such projects,” the rector emphasized.
The Murcia region, one of Europe’s leading agricultural centers, has considerable experience in effective water resource management and innovation in agriculture. These competencies are of strategic interest for the development of scientific research and practical activities at the SNAU.
In the spring of 2026, a delegation from the Murcia region is expected to visit Sumy region to finalize joint projects and expand cooperation. SNAU is consistently forming international partnerships aimed at the development of science, education, and innovation, as well as the integration of the university into the European academic space.
