Independent Report – Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Sudaryono, emphasized his commitment to improving national agricultural competitiveness through research, innovation, and modernization. He made this statement during a working visit to the Agricultural Science Park (TSP) of the Seed and Plant Breeding and Testing Center (BRMP TRI) in Sukabumi, West Java. During the visit, Sudaryono, commonly known as Mas Dar, inspected several agricultural facilities, including coffee seedlings, plant breeding collections, and cocoa processing.
Mas Dar highlighted the need to optimize the research potential of the Ministry of Agriculture’s research centers. He stated that Indonesia has 64 centers managing various agricultural aspects, from seed production to post-harvest processing. Some centers even have capabilities for artificial insemination to support national cattle production.
He stressed that research and modernization are crucial for improving Indonesia’s agricultural sector. This is especially true for plantation commodities to remain competitive globally. He referred to President Prabowo Subianto’s directive to make Indonesian plantation commodities world leaders again. “While pursuing rice self-sufficiency, we are also preparing to leap forward with other commodities,” he said confidently.
Furthermore, he urged for the strengthening of agricultural sector downstreaming to increase added value. One area of focus is biofuel development from plantation crops like palm oil and sugarcane. He emphasized that Indonesia’s agricultural sector holds potential for both food production and energy. Sugarcane can be processed into bioethanol, and palm oil can be used as an environmentally friendly fuel. Once food needs are met, these commodities can be utilized for energy production.
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Mas Dar also pointed out the importance of bridging research outcomes with business needs, especially among youth. He noted the gap between research findings and their practical application in the field. Many young people learn from social media without scientific data to back it up. Therefore, he wants to connect research with the business world, so young people can adopt research-based agricultural models.
As part of efforts to improve the agricultural sector’s competitiveness, Mas Dar encouraged collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture, universities, and research institutions. This aligns with the President’s directive to adopt the best technology to strengthen the agricultural sector. By integrating these stakeholders in research and development, Indonesia’s agricultural sector will advance and be more competitive globally.
BRMP TRI Head Evi Savitri Iriani said her center plays a vital role in developing superior seeds and agricultural processing technologies. She hopes that research results can be directly utilized by the public. “With the Deputy Minister’s visit, we hope the public will understand that Kementan centers are technology hubs. They can ask, learn, and implement directly in the field,” Evi explained.
Evi also emphasized the importance of making sure research results don’t just remain in journals or reports. Instead, they should benefit society and be directly applied in real life. This way, innovations will have a meaningful impact on the development of Indonesia’s agricultural sector.
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