Commemorating the 54th Anniversary of BKFP, Faculty of Agriculture Unud Holds FGD "Agricultural Biotechnology to Improve Food Security"

In commemoration of the 54th Anniversary of the Family Board of Agriculture Faculty (BKFP), the Agricultural Biotechnology Masters Study Program, Faculty of Agriculture, Unud in collaboration with the American Consulate General in Surabaya, IPB University, and the University of Jember held a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) through the Zoom Meeting application, Thursday (09/09/2021). This Focus Group Discussion activity took the topic "Agricultural Biotechnology to Improve Food Security".

Dylan Hoey, Vice Head of Political and Economic Affairs of the American Consulate General in Surabaya, in his remarks said that last March, the Political and Economic Affairs of the American Consulate General in Surabaya visited Bali. During the visit, everyone he met had great enthusiasm about the agricultural industry and its great potential in Bali. "All of our partners stress how important agriculture is to Bali's growth and resilience in these very challenging times," he said.

Udayana University is the right partner in this Focus Group Discussion activity because Udayana University is famous for its Agricultural Biotechnology program. In addition, Udayana University is also a partner in various other important matters with the American Consulate General in Surabaya.

Rector Unud Prof. I Nyoman Gde Antara in his speech said that currently we are facing the Covid-19 pandemic which has greatly impacted all aspects of life, including food availability for the community. All efforts are needed to overcome these problems, one of which is modern technology. The alternative is an effort to improve food security through the use of Agricultural Biotechnology.

This Focus Group Discussion presented three speakers including Prof. Ir. I Gede Putu Wirawan, M.Sc, Ph.D from Udayana University, Prof. Dr. Ir. Bambang Sugiharto, M.Agr., Sc. from the University of Jember, and Dr. Ing. Dase Hunaefi, STP, M.Food from IPB University.