PKPHT of IPB Organized the National Seminar on 2nd Plant Protection

Integrated Pest Management Research Center, Department of Plant Protection (PKPHT), Faculty of Agriculture of  Bogor Agricultural University organized a National Seminar on Plant Protection II. The theme of the Seminar was Strengthening Protection Strategies in Agricultural Systems Facing the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) and the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) 2015. This national event was consisted of seminars and poster presentation, and  was held at the Auditorium Toyib Hadiwijaya, on 13 November 2014.  This activity was sponsored by PT. Petrosida Gresik.

Chairman of the Organizing Committee was Dr. Ir. Abdul Munif, M.Sc.Agr, stated that the theme was taken due to the increased trade, especially agricultural products. The agricultural trade,  in addition to provide positive impact by increasing the foreign exchange of the government, but we are unaware that it will also pose a greater risk of importation of  Plant Pest Organisms (OPT) from various regions.

"The objectives of this Seminar are to improve the  awareness of the various elements of the community, such as academicians, practitioners, and farmers on the threat of pests which are likely to happen when AFTA and the AEC in 2015 will officially be implemented," said Dr. Munif.

Chairman of the Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture IPB, Dr. Ir. Abdjad Asih Nawangsih, M.Si, stated, "One of the main functions of Plant Protection Department is to educate future leaders who will have high competence in the areas of crop protection, and good analytical and a high concern for the national problems.  Then, they  are expected to contribute to the development of the community, by promoting agricultural development in Indonesia. "

Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs, Prof. Dr. Ir. Yonny Koesmaryono, MS stated, "This seminar is very essential. Other ASEAN member countries, particularly those which are involve in agriculture tend to have a better preparation than Indonesia, particularly toward the implementation of  AFTA and AEC 2015. I expect  that Indonesia will play its important role in AFTA and AEC 2015. We must take advantage of the demographic bonus that we have. Hopefully all of us will take off together, no one will be left on the runway of AFTA and AEC 2015. "

"The recommendations resulted by the seminar hopefully will contribute  or will provide ideas as how to develop the  national agricultural system better," added Prof. Yonny. Finally, Dr. Munif, stated that the  seminar will improve our awareness to strengthen the national plant protection systems. (Wied)