RRI Dialogue: Selecting Seeds of Good Quality
The role of seedling is crucial for the advancement of agriculture in our country. Good seeds have a high growing ability, can grow simultaneously, are of a good quality and always available as well.
This was said by Dr. Ir. Eny Widajati, MS., a lecturer of Agronomy and Horticulture Department, Faculty of Agriculture (Faperta) IPB in the RRI (Radio of the Republic of Indonesia) Dialogue titled "Prospects and Challenges for Seed Technology Development in Indonesia", Tuesday (10/4) in the RRI of Bogor, Pangrango Street No 34.
“The use of good seeds is essential to promote the food security program and also develop agro-industries in Indonesia. Good seeds must be consistently used and its supply in the community should be guaranteed in both quality and continuity," said Dr. Eny in the dialogue guided an RRI presenter, Merry Simangunsong.
Further Dr. Eny said that in order to produce quality seed, a good drying is needed. Although the sun light is available abundantly in our country, in the rainy season, a drying machine is still required to maintain the quality, quantity and continuity of good seeds.
Currently, the availability of seeds, according to Dr. Eny, has developed quite well. But the center of the seed is still on Java Island, not yet evenly spread throughout Indonesia.
"The availability of rice is better, but horticulture is still limited. It is necessary for us to work hard together from researchers, government, employers to the society. This is a shared responsibility. IPB as a higher education is constantly doing research and education to generate qualified human resources," said Dr Eny.
Answering the question from Furqon, an RRI listener from Gapoktan Citapen Ciawi (Farmer Groups), about how to choose a good seed, Dr Eny said that users should be able to test it in accordance with the existing information on the packaging and look at the expiration date.
Describing the quality of good seeds, Dr. Eny mentioned some criteria of good seeds such as purity percentage, growth percentage, cleanliness, packaging, and pathologies (health). "All must be given the best possible care. In using the seeds, ‘Six Rights’ ought to be considered: Right Varieties, Right Quality, Right Quantity, Right Planting Time, Right Location and Right Price," added Dr Eny. (Mtd)
