Rector of Bogor Agricultural University Appealed that the Management of Rice Problems Must be Handled Scientifically
In the last few days we had been exposed to the warmly issues related to the chaotic handling of rice issues. Do you think all news is true? Rector of Bogor Agricultural University (IPB), Prof. Dr. Herry Suhardiyanto, MSc., stated that the news should be handled by truth, with science-based policy. This appeal was expressed by IPB Rector in his Valedictory remarks for the graduation day, at IPB Campus, Dramaga, Bogor, on Wednesday, 26 July 2017.
"The handling should prioritize national interests, especially the interests of farmers and consumers in a balanced manner. Businessmen need to be encouraged to give farmers a chance to get a good price so that farmers are passionate about planting rice. This is to strengthen the national rice production system and at the same time improve the welfare of farmers who have always been economically weakened, "he said.
Businessmen must also be encouraged to improve their business efficiency and supply chain, so as to bring the rice needed by consumers in a good level of quality, clear quality information, and affordable prices in accordance with consumer protection regulations. The principles of rice science and technology which include post-harvest handling and processing of rice. In addition, rice quality management and information should be developed and applied to create added value and present equitable trade rice system.
"The government also should not be careless and must be alerts on the ecological, management and sociological issues surrounding the brown planthopper problem in some districts. Faculty members and students of IPB have been despatched into several locations and found out that such areas have suffered continuous outbreaks of brown planthoppers causing destruction and misery to farmers throughout the locations," he added.
In some locations, brown planthoppers attack even followed by virus attacks. IPB through the Plant Crop Clinic of the Department of Plant Protection of the Faculty of Agriculture (FAPERTA) has participated in assisting farmers' and provided consultation services to overcome this problem. Services and activities for farmer assistance were carried out directly through the Plant Clinic IPB. IPB presents complete equipment up to control brown planthoppers and virus as and biological control agents for Lecanucilium.
Meanwhile, for research programs implemented by IPB researchers, they have successfully invented rice IPB 3S variety. This variety is the result of rice breeding program implemented for years, and the yield average is 7 tonnes / ha and yield potential could reach 11.2 tonnes / ha. The productivity of IPB 3S variety is much higher than the rice crops commonly planted by farmers.
"Alhamdulillah, IPB3S rice variety has been cultivated in various provinces as part of IPB Prima Technology Package with the application of modern and optimum agribusiness models including environmental improvements, especially soils. The effort to distribute the seeds of IPB 3S has been done through various cooperation, "he added.
IPB encourages some Regencies to help ensure sufficient needs of their rice seeds, they should get them from their own Region’ breeding farm. This efforts is expected to encourage most Regencies will be independence for its rice seed needs. On 11 July 2017, IPB 3S Rice variety were harvested at Gapoktan Cakra Buana, Cariu Sub-district, Bogor District. IPB has been entrusted by the Ministry of Research, Technology and Higher Education to develop start up IPB3S rice seed business.
"Alhamdulillah, through these programs we have planned will enable us to produce more than 100 tons of IPB 3S rice seeds, and they are ready to be deployed to various regions in order to increase national rice production," he said. (Wied)
