On the Anniversary of the Unhas Faculty of Engineering, Agriculture Minister SYL Emphasizes Collaboration to Advance Agricultural Technology
Minister of Agriculture Syahrul Yasin Limpo (Mentan SYL) delivered a keynote address at the culmination of the 60th anniversary celebration of the Faculty of Engineering at Hasanuddin University (Unhas).
In attendance were Unhas Rector Prof. Dwi Aries Tina Pulubuhu, Echelon I officials from the Ministry of Agriculture (Kementan), and the Minister’s Special Staff, Prof. Imam Mujahidin Fahmid.
Mentan SYL emphasized that collaboration between Kementan and universities—particularly in the field of engineering—is essential for consolidating advancements in agricultural technology that are cutting-edge, self-reliant, and modern.
Future agricultural development must not rely on stagnant technology. Instead, it must embrace digital agriculture, artificial intelligence, robotic construction, and the Internet of Things.
“I ask the directors-general to collaborate with the Faculty of Engineering at Unhas. Help establish laboratories so we can produce technology, high-quality seeds, and modern agricultural machinery,” said Minister SYL during his keynote address at the 60th anniversary celebration of the Faculty of Engineering at Unhas.
Therefore, Minister SYL hopes that the Unhas Faculty of Engineering will take a leading role in the fields of research and technology. This is essential for the future advancement of agriculture—one that is resilient in the face of challenges and serves as a pillar of national economic growth.
This is because, Minister SYL continued, progress in the world—particularly in the agricultural sector—cannot be achieved without technological development.
“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,” said Minister SYL.