Food is essential for any nation, including Indonesia. Ensuring food security is a key factor for national sustainability. To create a roadmap for research and community service aimed at improving food resilience and independence, a Focus Group Discussion titled “Research Roadmap for Village Food Security and Independence” was held on Tuesday, November 26. The event was opened by Prof. Dr. Unti Ludigdo, SE., M.Si., Ak., the Vice Rector for Research and Innovation.
In his opening speech, the Vice-Rector emphasized the importance of addressing food security and independence comprehensively. She stated that the Directorate of Research and Community Service (DRPM) should intensify research and innovation efforts related to these issues, not only in the agricultural sector but also in fisheries and livestock.
The discussion featured seven speakers who are experts in their respective fields. Prof. Dr. Ir. Nuhfil Hanani AR., MS., reviewed national food policies, discussing future challenges and directions for research on food security and independence at Universitas Brawijaya. Prof. Ir. Arifin Noor Sugiharto, MSc., PhD, shared his experiences in research activities related to superior corn cultivation, emphasizing the importance of downstream science and technology for village independence.
Prof. Ir. Didik Suprayogo, MSc., PhD, presented on “Conservation of Land and Water for Food Resilience and Independence.” Other speakers included Prof. Dr. Sc. Agr. Ir. Suyadi, MS., IPU., ASEAN Eng., who discussed strategies for livestock independence, and Prof. Dr. Moh. Fadli, SH., M.Hum., who examined policies and regulations regarding agricultural land protection and their implications for food security and independence research at UB.
Additionally, Prof. Dr. Ir. Imam Santoso, MP., provided recommendations on agricultural engineering and food security, while Prof. Dr. Ir. Pudji Purwanti, MP., reviewed the national fisheries sector and its challenges, outlining future directions for research on food security and independence at UB.