Biotechnology plays a vital role in addressing climate change. How the biotech industry can help develop climate-resilient crops and recycle waste.
The Biology Study Program of the Sumatra Institute of Technology held a Studium Generale entitled “Application of Biotechnology in Facing Climate Change”. This event was held in response to the global issue of climate change which has a significant impact on various sectors, including agriculture, animal husbandry, and fisheries.
The biotechnology industry is believed to play an important role in developing plants that can adapt to extreme conditions caused by climate change. Biotransformation technology can accelerate the plant breeding process, which can produce climate-resistant species more quickly.
In addition, biotechnology can also help develop microorganisms that can recycle organic and non-organic waste, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
However, the use of biotechnology in plants requires attention to food safety, environmental, and social issues. Therefore, regulation and control of the use of biotechnology are needed to address these issues.
“Through this Studium Generale, participants understand the concept of biotechnology and how it can be applied in developing climate-resistant plants and livestock. The two speakers also discussed issues related to the use of biotechnology in plants and efforts that can be made to improve supervision, regulation, and control of the use of biotechnology,” as quoted from the Itera page, accessed Tuesday, March 26, 2024.
This event featured two speakers, Budi Setiadi Daryono from the Faculty of Biology, Gadjah Mada University, and Winda Nawfetrias from the Horticulture and Plantation Research Center, Agricultural Research and Development Agency, National Research and Innovation Agency.
Budi Setiadi Daryono presented a study entitled “The Dynamics and Evolution of Melon-Infecting Virus in Indonesia influenced by Climate Change”.
Budi presented a study on the genetic diversity of cucurbits in Indonesia and how climate change challenges in Indonesia. Budi also explained a study on cucurbit bone viruses in Indonesia and the results of the identification of resistant gene viruses and melon production in Indonesia.
Winda Nawfetrias presented a study on “Application of Biotechnology for Adaptation to Climate Change in Cultivated Plants at the Horticulture and Plantation Research Center.”
Winda delivered several important studies including the urgency of Bioprospection of Genetic Resources (SDG) to produce superior seed innovation with a precision & smart farming approach that is sustainable in an eco-friendly manner on a national and location-specific scale.
According to Winda, academics need to utilize the potential of SDG HB diversity and the potential for technological support to support it. Because this potential is relevant to addressing various national and global issues, not only the alleviation of climate change control, but also poverty alleviation, and sustainable agricultural development.
