On the Anniversary of the Faculty of Engineering at Unhas, Agriculture Minister SYL Emphasizes the Role of Technology in Advancing Agriculture
Agriculture Minister Syahrul Yasin Limpo (SYL) said that collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture and universities is essential in today’s era.
He cited collaboration with the field of engineering as an example to consolidate advancements in agricultural technology that are cutting-edge, self-reliant, and modern.
He emphasized that future agricultural development must not rely on stagnant technology.
Instead, it must embrace digital agriculture, artificial intelligence, robotic construction, and the Internet of Things.
“There is no progress in life without the involvement of technology, research, and science. Technology is definitely playing a role,” he said.
The former governor of South Sulawesi hopes that the Faculty of Engineering at Hasanuddin University (Unhas) will play a role in the agricultural sector.
For example, by playing a role in research and technology to advance agriculture so that it can resiliently face future challenges and serve as a pillar of national economic growth.
This is because progress in the world—particularly in the agricultural sector—cannot be achieved without technological advancements.
“The agricultural sector’s contribution to saving the national economy during the COVID-19 pandemic is truly commendable. The agricultural sector’s GDP was the highest and the only one that saved the national GDP; similarly, agricultural exports rose, and purchasing power also increased,” he said.
According to data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), the agricultural sector’s share of total GDP reached 14% and provided employment for nearly half of the total population.
GDP growth in the agricultural sector in the second quarter of 2020 reached 16.24% compared to the previous quarter.
Agricultural exports in September 2020 rose by 20.84 percent compared to the previous month.
Similarly, farmers’ purchasing power, as measured by the NTP for the January–September 2020 period, stood at 101.66—an increase of 0.99 percent—while the NTUP for this period rose by 0.90 percent.
“However, it must be noted that any research conducted by a country or region without technology is bound to face obstacles in developing more rapidly. And in today’s agricultural landscape, no matter how impressive the achievements may be, we will not be able to make further progress without technology. For this reason, the Faculty of Engineering plays a crucial role and must work in synergy to advance agriculture,” emphasized SYL.
Meanwhile, the Rector of Unhas, Prof. Dwi Aries Tina Pulubuhu, expressed appreciation for the Minister of Agriculture’s performance and commitment to advancing technology, as well as for encouraging engineers to play a role in advancing agriculture based on modern technology.
“We look forward to the Minister delivering a speech filled with his intelligent and groundbreaking ideas. We thank the Minister for his presence at this anniversary celebration,” she said.
“The Minister’s presence can inspire us in the Faculty of Engineering and the Faculty of Agriculture to continue producing innovations and technologies that are not only applied in the industrial sector but, most importantly, benefit farmers,” she added.