IPB University and Lapis Talas Bogor Empower Local Farmers through Creative Science Synergy
The Directorate of Agromaritime Community Development (DPMA) of IPB University collaborated with Lapis Talas Bogor to hold an On-Farm Press Tour entitled “From the Land of Bogor, Together with Talas Farmers Planting the Future” held in Situgede Village, West Bogor (4/29).
In this moment, Prof Ernan Rustiadi, Vice Rector of IPB University for Research, Innovation, and Agromaritime Development said, collaboration with Lapis Talas Sangkuriang is a form of creative science model.
“IPB University as a university strengthens research from upstream to downstream aspects and is truly utilized by the creative industry developed by Sangkuriang and becomes a blend of creative science,” explained Prof Ernan.
Furthermore, this initiative places local farmers, in this case the Saluyu Farmer Group, as the key in the raw material supply chain. Through structured mentoring, local farmers are expected to be the main beneficiaries of the creative industry ecosystem that is being built.
According to him, the synergy between scientific research, creativity, and empowerment of local farmers will create a sustainable and inclusive industrial development model. In the end, farmers or communities receive the benefits directly.
In addition, the government acts as a facilitator, with support from the Bogor City Food Security and Agriculture Agency (DKPP) and related agencies.
“Hopefully, this innovation is not limited to here, because there are still many other opportunities and superior products among farmers that can be developed,” hoped Prof Ernan.
Managing Director of PT Agrinesia Raya, Rizka Wahyu Romadhona said that farmer empowerment was the main goal in the synergy between the industry and IPB University.
“The cooperation with IPB University aims to empower taro farmers through the development of superior varieties such as the pratama 3 variety,” she said.
She expects this innovation will significantly increase yields for farmers. “This is a collaboration that supports each other, so that together we can realize Bogor as a creative science city,” she said. (AS) (IAAS/LAN)
