[Unpad Media Channel] The world is currently facing a serious food insecurity issue. According to a report from WHO, food insecurity has increased significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic, reaching 880 million people. This situation is exacerbated by geopolitical tensions, climate change, and global warming.
This was stated by the Minister of Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises of the Republic of Indonesia, Drs. Teten Masduki, during his keynote speech at the seminar “Food Sovereignty for National Welfare,” which opened the 2024 Agri Summit: KAFP Unpad Market Connect event. The 2024 Agri Summit series includes a National Food Security Seminar, Job Fair & Business Connect, and a Grand Reunion of Unpad’s Faculty of Agriculture. The event, which is also part of the 65th Dies Natalis (Anniversary) of Unpad’s Faculty of Agriculture, is held at Grha Sanusi Hardjadinata Unpad Jl. Dipati Ukur Bandung from August 30th to September 1st, 2024.
“If not properly prepared and managed, there will be a food availability gap by 2050,” Teten said. He explained that agriculture in its widest interpretation, including fisheries, lanimal husbandry, and plantations, plays a key role in the future. Globally, the agriculture sector contributes 4% to the world GDP and provides employment for over 1.23 billion people. However, there are challenges in the agriculture sector, notably the generational shift in farming.
“In Indonesia, for instance, most farmers are over 45 years old. The interest of young people in entering the agriculture and fisheries sectors is still very low,” Teten explained.
According to Teten, the presence of younger generations in this sector is not yet supported by access to innovations and technologies in processing agricultural and fisheries resources. Nevertheless, Teten noted that Unpad has been innovating and advancing technology in the agriculture sector.
“Agricultural research innovations at Unpad are quite advanced. Unpad has a significant focus,” Teten said.
Meanwhile, the Rector of Unpad Prof. Rina Indiastuti, S.E., M.SIE., stated that the innovative products developed by Unpad’s students and faculty, supported by Unpad’s Faculty of Agriculture alumni, are based on research-driven science and technology. “Hopefully, the products will be of high quality and will strengthen Indonesia’s food security,” said the Rector.
The Rector mentioned that Unpad is ready to support the advancement of science and technology in the food sector. The faculty and students at Unpad are engaged in significant research activities, including with local wisdom from West Java, such as cassava.
“This event shows our (Unpad’s) commitment to making Unpad open to the understanding of science and technology in global recognition and having significant benefits for the community,” the Rector said.
According to the report, Chairman of the Alumni Family of Unpad’s Faculty of Agriculture, Ir. Arya Yudias, M.M., stated that Agri Summit 2024 was organized on the initiative of Unpad, the Faculty of Agriculture at Unpad, and its alumni.
“This is a collaborative activity with a very noble goal, namely to strengthen food sovereignty, enhance the existence of agriculture-based SMEs, and facilitate Unpad students and alumni in finding employment and establishing businesses,” said Arya.
The Chair of the Academic Senate Prof. Dr. Ir. Ganjar Kurnia, DEA, General Chair of Unpad Alumni Association Irawati Hermawan, S.H., M.H., and other faculty members and alumni of Unpad’s Faculty of Agriculture. (SA)*
