Asian Crop Science Association Meets in IPB

Asian Crop Science Association (ACSA), an organization of plant scientists and communities from Asian countries, regularly hosts conferences and scientific meetings. This was the first conference held in IPB after previously held in South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, Brisbane Australia, and Bangkok Thailand, (28 / 9).

Chairman of the event, Prof. Suharsono says it is a regular conference held once in three years. Now is attended by more than 200 participants not just coming from Asian countries but also from the USA and the Middle East.

Head of Agricultural Research and Development Agency, Dr. Haryono in his speech told that future agriculture not only produce food and energy, but must also be able to give the concept of environmentally friendly agriculture with sustainable food productivity.

Dr. Haryono added that the population number is also a serious threat to the environment related to unhealthy living conditions, natural resource depletion, unhealthy environment and poverty.

Another threat is the effect of global warming. Indonesia has been a contributor to greenhouse gas emissions of almost 85% per year, while illegal logging and land conversion is estimated to reach 2 million hectares per year. This can affect directly on the poor population who live in the disaster area. Dr. Haryono hopes this conference can provide recommendations to address these problems.

Meanwhile, Rector of IPB, Prof. Herry Suhardiyanto expressed his support to ACSA conference and said that through this event cooperation between the scientists is very important  to the exchange of information and technologies related to recent advances in plant science including conventional and modern technology including crops and to create new opportunities and develop industry. (Mtd)