The Seminar of Plant Health Faperta IPB University: Key Factors to Support the Country’s Food Security

The losses caused by plant diseases are very significant. These diseases can disrupt the physiological functions of plants such as photosynthesis, respiration, and nutrient absorption.

“By itself, plant growth is not optimal. That’s what we have to try to prevent the disruption from being too severe so that the production is not too detrimental,” said a lecturer at the Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture (Faperta) IPB University, Prof Sri Hendrastuti Hidayat, (23/10).

The background encouraged Faperta IPB University to organize a seminar with the theme “Plant Health as a Key Factor in Supporting the Country’s Food Security”. The seminar, which was held as a hybrid at the IPB International Convention Center (IICC), Bogor City, was attended by academics, policy makers, private companies, and farmers. 

“So this seminar is a form of partnership between universities in this case Faperta IPB University and the private sector or industry, and this is our partner seed company PT East West Seed Indonesia,” said Prof Sri Hendrastuti who is also the chief executive of the activity.

She said, this seminar involved various parties including regulators and presented speakers from the Indonesian Quarantine Agency, the Directorate of Horticultural Plant Protection of the Ministry of Agriculture, academics, and farmers.

“Hopefully, through this collaboration between universities and the private sector, there will be more synergy in the development of agricultural science, especially on plant protection. Hopefully, each of these components will work together more and more so that plant health and food security in Indonesia can be realized,” said Prof Sri Hendrastuti.

Dean of Faperta IPB University, Prof Suryo Wiyono in his speech said that the seminar was supported by the Inter-University Center of Excellence (PUAPT) which aims to encourage research in agriculture that supports food security.

Prof Suryo also emphasized that plant health is very important for national food security. However, he admitted that there are many challenges in promoting plant health.

“We are facing serious challenges. First, climate change is extraordinary. Then the traffic of agricultural products including seeds between countries and regions. Third, of course, increasing consumer awareness of green and environmentally friendly products,” he explained. (MHT/Rz) (IAAS/ZQA)