The International Scientific Meeting of Breeders in IPB
Indonesia Plant Breeding Science Society. (PERIPI) in collaboration with Center for Tropical Horticulture Studies (PKHT) of the Institute for Research and Community Service of Bogor Agricultural University (LPPM IPB) organized the seminar to discuss the utilization of genetic resources to improve productivity and quality of crops, livestock and fish. The seminar took place at IPB International Convention Center (IICC) Bogor, on 2-3 October 2017.
Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs of the Faculty of Agriculture of Bogor Agricultural University (FAPERTA IPB), Dr. Nurhayati, said that the seminar was not only as a media for the breeders' friendship, but also as a reflection of PERIPI's professional commitment and concern to national development especially agricultural development in the broad sense. In addition, this national seminar also had the strategic value, as it was assembled with the international. Thus the joined national and international seminars had merged the constructive thought of the international breeders for the enlightenment to all participants of the seminar.
Further he said that the breeders have played important roles in assembling plant varieties, seeds of fish, and livestock. It shows that the breeders supports for the implementation of green revolution and food self-sufficiency is undoubtedly occurred in many countries. The green revolution is the embodiment of scientific progress in the field of plant breeding.
"For example, IPB has produced superior rice varieties IPB 3S which then assembled a technology package called IPB Prima. The technology package was designed to increase rice productivity to seven tons of Gabah Kering Giling (GKG dry unhusked grain), even in some places has reached nine tons of GKG. In the future, the role of breeders will certainly be even greater, especially in realizing the production of seed or breeding program to realize sustainable food sovereignty, "he said.
President of the Indonesian Breeding Sciences Society, Prof. Dr. Ismeth Inounu representing the Chairman of PERIPI explained that PERIPI was established in 1976 by a number of breeders in the seminar carried out in Lembang, Bandung. The purpose of PERIPI has been continuously improve the art and science of breeding in Indonesia. This means that PERIPI together with the government and all stakeholders are involved in the management of genetic resources, the development of reproduction science, human resource development, the development of the systems and regulations necessary for breeding progress, and promoting breeding outcomes for the benefit of the community. Currently, the total number of PERIPI members is about one thousand they and spread across Indonesia, consisting of researchers, academicians, practitioners, bureaucrats and observers. Members are organized in 18 Regional Commissariats.
The event was assembled with the exposure of the speakers, including Prof. Dr. Bunjamin Tar'an (University of Saskatchewan, Canada); Prof. Ghizan Bin Saleh (University of Putra Malaysia); Prof. Dr. Sobir (Institut Pertanian Bogor), Ir. Asep Harpenas (PT East West Seed Indonesia); and Dr. Jocelyn E. Eusebio, Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD).
The seminar was participated by approximately 250 participants, consisted of researchers, breeders at government and private research institutes as well as students of both Indonesia and foreign universities. The seminar was jointly funded by a number of sponsors, including PT. Alphasains, PT. East West Seed Indonesia, PT. BISI International Tbk., PT Sampoerna Agro Tbk., PT. Astra Agro Lestari Tbk, Bank Indonesia, and PT. Bank Tabungan Negara (Persero) Tbk. (Wied)
