The Use of Genetically Engineered Crops Must Rely on Research Results
The effort to use of genetically modified crops to support the realization of food sovereignty has to be coupled with research results of and effective and efficient development. "This is to minimize the polemic about the use of transgenic crops in the community. Do not let us run out of energy because of the polemic. Studies of genetically modified crops to deal with production constraints in the field need to be done in a coordinated manner," said Rector of Bogor Agricultural University (IPB), Prof. Dr. Ir. Herry Suhardiyanto, MSc in 2012 Meeting of Biotechnologist on Tuesday (10/7) at IPB International Convention Center. The activity with the theme "GM Crops Versus Food Security Challenges" was held by the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, IPB and supported by the Directorate of Research and Strategic Studies of IPB. So far the studies on the use of GM food have been made separately by research institutions, or less integrated.
In the future, continued Rector, biotechnology, especially genetic engineering is expected to make a real contribution in order to realize food sovereignty in Indonesia. "All elements of Indonesian people have to think about food sovereignty for the future of the nation. The role of practitioners and researchers of biotechnology is very strategic in helping to realize food sovereignty particularly related to research, development and use of genetically modified crops and other biotechnology products in Indonesia," said Rector. Moreover, it is also the obligation of biotechnology researchers to socialize the safety of biotechnology products to the public.
A similar view was also expressed by Head of the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, Bogor Agricultural University, Dr. Agus Purwito. According to him, the issue of food supply is becoming more important along with the high rate of farm land conversion into non-agricultural land, degradation of land resources, leveling off of productivity and global climate change that negatively impacts food production.
Several steps can be taken to improve the performance of food production: by increasing the use of new technologies, producing new varieties, improving production infrastructure, reducing the pace of land conversion and opening new farmland. "Equally important is an increased production through biotechnology. We hope from the Biotechnologist Meeting of 2012 joint steps are formulated for the future. Of course, the active participation of stake holders in Indonesia is expected in this activity," said Dr. Agus. The event that was attended by 250 participants from various research institutes, universities and multinational companies also held a poster exhibition of research results of plant genetic engineering and biotechnology in general. (Mtd)
