Anticipating the Impact of La Nina, TNC IPB University Invites Farmer Discussions
Farmers and Fishermen Centre (TNC) IPB University held a Webinar Series #TNCTalksE03 with the theme ‘La Nina Phenomenon: Anticipating the Threat of Plant Pests and Fertilizer Scarcity’. This webinar was attended by various parties, including farmers, extension workers, and pest control experts.
The event aimed to provide farmers and agricultural sector actors with understanding and strategies to anticipate the negative impacts of La Nina and ensure sustainability and better agricultural productivity.
Chief of TNC IPB University, Prof Hermanu Triwidodo gave a speech emphasizing the importance of preparation for the upcoming rendeng season (main crop season). “This webinar is an important step for all of us to prepare ourselves for the upcoming climate phenomena, including pest and disease disturbances and fertilizer scarcity,” he said.
Prof Ernan Rustiadi, Vice Rector of IPB University for Research, Innovation and Agromaritime Development highlighted that the La Nina phenomenon is expected to occur from July to September 2024. This phenomenon can increase rainfall and affect planting schedules and fertilizer availability.
“This webinar is expected to provide a better understanding to all actors in the field to anticipate extreme situations that require appropriate strategies,” he added.
The webinar was moderated by Luna Lukvitasari, SSi, MSi, TNC IPB University Cooperation Coordinator and presented three main speakers.
Dr I Putu Santikayasa, lecturer at the Department of Geophysics and Meteorology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA) IPB University presented the material ‘La Nina 2024: Opportunities and Impacts on Agriculture in Indonesia’. Dr I Putu Santikayasa explained that the La Nina phenomenon, which is predicted to occur in the middle to the end of this year, has the potential to increase rainfall and have a significant impact on agriculture in Indonesia.
Another speaker, Prof Widodo, Professor of IPB University from the Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture (Faperta), discussed the impact of La Nina on the problem of pests and plant diseases. “Hot and humid conditions due to La Nina need to be anticipated because it can accelerate the life cycle of insect pests and increase the incidence of plant diseases,” he explained.
Prof Arief Hartono, Professor of IPB University at the Department of Soil Science and Land Resources discussed optimal fertilization with location-specific data and the use of biochar. He emphasized the importance of managing water resources and soil nutrients to deal with high rainfall.
The webinar also featured three respondents from among farmers, namely Hosman from Sumenep, East Java; Tarsono from Indramayu, West Java; and Purnomo from Kebumen, Central Java. The three farmers shared their experiences in dealing with climate phenomena and challenges in the field. (TNC/Rz) (IAAS/STD)
