From the Voice of Darmaga to Communities

After a long time of absence, Faculty of Agriculture again held a monthly discussion (Voice of Darmaga). "The discussion regularly held by the Faculty is always about strategic issues of agriculture. The discussion on the topic of ‘Policies and Strategies in the Development of Horticulture in Indonesia’ is expected to provide valuable input for the community." said Dean of Faculty of Agriculture IPB, Dr. Ernan Rustiadi, Monday (10/10).

Horticultural commodity is very important and strategic because it is an important component of the expected food patterns, which should be available any time, in sufficient quantities and of good quality, safe to consume, with affordable price and accessible to all levels of society. "Ten horticultural commodities: peppers, onions, potatoes, mangoes, citrus, durian, mangosteen, rhizomes, and ornamental plants are the national product for excellence, which hold priority in the development from the State Budget Expenditure," said Dr. Ernan.

A researchers from the Centre for Tropical Fruits (PKBT) IPB, Dr. Sobir says that the supply of the products will be able to have a competitive power if they have three advantages: lower prices, better quality and more secure delivery. "If these are not achieved, then we can not compete with agricultural products of the neighboring countries flooding the Indonesia market," said Dr.Sobir. On that occasion, the Head of the University Farm IPB, Dr. Anas D. Susila raised issues of national vegetable farm and Prof. Roedhy Poerwanto discussed policies and legislation for horticulture. The discussion results from the Voice of Darmaga will later be compiled into the form of books. (Mtd)