Launching of the book ” People’s Food: the Question of Life or Death 60 Years Later”

Association of Indonesian Agricultural Economists (Perhepi) staged the Launching and Discussion "People’s Food: the Question of Life or Death 60 years later," at Proclamation Building, Jakarta, Monday (23/4). The event was to commemorate 60 years of Higher Education of Agriculture, presenting the speakers:  Dr. Krisnamurthi, MS (Chairman of Perhepi / Deputy Minister for Trade), Dr. (HC). Ir. H. Siswono Yudo Husodo (Member of Commission IV of the House of Representatives), and Prof. Dr. Ir. Bustanul Arifin M.Sc (IPB graduate / Professor of Agricultural Economics at UNILA).

Now, said Bayu, the food demand rises five times higher than that of 1952. Production also increases nearly 9 times compared to that period. However, the challenges in the agricultural sector remain heavy, for example, having to face the uncertain climate as well as consumers demanding not only an increased quantity but also the quality of food. "In 1952 we had already started thinking about food, but 60 years later the problems still exist and are even growing," said Bayu. To survive and thrive, we must do a number of things in the agricultural sector in particular the development of human resources. "The lessons we can take from the period of 60 years is that we must invest in human resources," he said.

Some actions can be takes for example, developing the higher education of agriculture and generating scholars in the field of agriculture, such as breeding experts, mechanism experts, and those who can anticipate environmental conditions better. With all these, it is expected that Indonesia would quickly achieve self-sufficiency in food. "Indonesia should be thinking of supplying the world’s food not its own needs," said Bayu. (Mtd)