Food Security through the Empowerment of Local Livestock
Locally-based food security program launched by the government is not only limited for plants, but also for animals. "Locally-based food security programs for the welfare of local communities are not just limited for plants but also for animals, including locally-based agroindustry. As Indonesia is the largest archipelagic tropical country in the world. Properties of its natural resources are very specific. In addition, we also endowed with rich of biodiversity, "said Head of Research and Development, Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Haryono on the Second International Seminar on Animal Industry (ISAI) in 2012, with the theme "Empowering Local Resources for Sustainable Animal Production in Adapting to Climate Change ", on 5-6 July 2012, at the Jakarta Convention Center.
According to Dr.Haryono, all varieties of rice require very specific growing conditions in order to thrive, therefore, each region in Indonesia has its own specific rice varieties. For example the “Kudus” rice, or “Pera” rice from South Kalimantan and West Sumatra, and the most well-known one is “Ciherang” rice. "Similarly, Indonesia has indigenous animal genetic resources consisting of mammals such as cow, sheep, poultry, rabbits and so forth. We have a tremendous locallity. It is therefore very important to explore the local potential. In addition, we also need to strengthen the international cooperation to improve the establsihed networks among research with industry. These networks are important for sharing concepts, ideas, operational models and experiences among researchers and practitioners, "said Dr.Haryono.
Chief Executive ISAI, Prof. Komang G. Wiryawan, Ph.D said that this activity is a great opportunity for participants to share their knowledge and experiences on the advancement of animal science and technology in other areas of the world, especially related to the latest climate change that could effect animal production systems. "By working together and sharing information we will be able to solve the problems better, faster and more comprehensively," said Prof. Komang.
This special event invited speakers from several countries including Australia, the United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, the United States, who presented their 131 (one hundred thirty one) titles of paper. "In addition to the main papers, in this event other supporting papers from Malaysia, Thailand, Turkey, Iran, Iraq and Pakistan, as well as from 22 universities and research institutions in Indonesia were also presented," said the Dean of the Faculty of Animal Science, Bogor Agricultural University (IPB), Dr.Luki Abdullah.
The 2012 ISAI seminar was organized jointly by the Faculty of Animal Husbandry of IPB with Animal Scientist’s Association of Indonesia, Indolivestock Expo and Forum, the Directorate General of Higher Education, Ministry of Education and Culture of the Republic of Indonesia, and the Directorate General of Animal Husbandry and Animal Health, Ministry of Agriculture. (Wied).
