Indonesian Agriculture Congress 2024: IKA Faperta IPB Encourages Smart Agriculture for a Sustainable Future

The Alumni Family Association (IKA) of the Faculty of Agriculture (Faperta) IPB University took the initiative to organize the Indonesian Agricultural Congress in commemoration of the National Farmers’ Day and the 61st Anniversary of IPB University. The event with the theme ‘Sustainable Future of Smart Agriculture’ was held at the IPB International Convention Center (IICC), Bogor on 23-24/9.

Chairman of IKA Faperta IPB University, Octen Suhadi, said that the congress was expected to provide recommendations for strategic policies for the new government under the leadership of President-elected Prabowo Subianto.

“The Indonesian Agricultural Congress is an important event for stakeholders to exchange ideas about the future of Indonesian agriculture, especially through a sustainability approach and the application of smart technology,” he said.  

“In addition, the event was attended by a number of Deans of the Faculty of Agriculture from various Indonesian universities who participated in contributing ideas for the glory of agriculture as the pillar of the Indonesian economy,” he said.

“With this congress, we hope to establish a relationship between academics, government and agricultural alumni,” said the alumnus of Faperta IPB University.

Meanwhile, Vice Rector for Global Connectivity, Collaboration and Alumni Relations, Prof Iskandar Z Siregar conveyed the challenges of the latest agricultural issues at the global level such as climate change, the issue of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which tend to decline, especially in relation to zero hunger.

“IPB University responds to these contents by opening a new study program, namely Smart Agriculture with laboratory facilities in collaboration with universities in Korea. It is expected that technology transfer will soon occur through 40 students studying in the new study program, Smart Agriculture,” said Prof Iskandar. 

Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at IPB University, Prof Suryo Wiyono, positively welcomed the congress. He hopes the 2024 Indonesian Agricultural Congress can provide policy recommendations that can support the sustainability of Indonesian agriculture in the future.

Prof Suryo added that the theme ‘Sustainable Future of Smart Agriculture’ is an urgent need that must be realized together. “With the application of science, technology, and field practices, we will be able to have a real impact on national agriculture,” said the Professor of Faperta IPB University.

Meanwhile, the Chief Executive of the Indonesian Agricultural Congress 2024, Ainun Fiki explained the purpose of this activity. “The congress is expected to be a forum for friendship between the Faperta Deans Forum and the Faperta Alumni Family Association,” he said.

“In this congress, a number of strategic topics related to Indonesian agriculture will be discussed. These include issues of food security, stunting, nutritious food, land optimization, agrarian reform, farmer corporations and how to provide important recommendations for the new government of President Prabowo Subianto,” said Ainun. (dh/Lp) (IAAS/Hap)