UNS – The Scientific Study Group (KSI) of the Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS), Surakarta, organized the national seminar of the Festival of Agri-Science and Technology (FAST) 2024 with the theme “Peningkatan Inovasi Terhadap Relevansi Pertanian Era Revolusi Industri 4.0” (Enhancing Innovation for the Relevance of Agriculture in the Era of Industry 4.0). Held at the LPPM Building, the seminar aimed to discuss the importance of innovation in the agricultural sector amid the rapid development of digital technology.

The FAST 2024 National Seminar was attended by 150 participants, from UNS and external institutions. The seminar featured three competent speakers in the field of agriculture: Ir. Eko Nugroho Isbandiharso, M.Si., Head of the Agriculture, Food Security, and Fisheries Office (Dispartan KPP) of Surakarta City, as the keynote speaker; Dr. rer. Agr. Evi Irawan, S.P., M.Sc., was the first speaker; and Khanif Irsyad Fahmi, S.P., was the second speaker. The three speakers covered various topics related to the application of agricultural technology innovations.

The Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture UNS, Prof. Dr. Ir. Samanhudi, S.P., M.Si., IPM, ASEAN Eng., Apec Eng., also attended the FAST 2024 National Seminar, held on Saturday (21/9/2024). In his remarks, he praised KSI FP UNS for their hard work in organizing the seminar, which aligns with the vision and mission of the Faculty of Agriculture. “This seminar is in line with our faculty’s vision and mission. We hope that it can serve as a platform to increase the interest of FP UNS students in getting directly involved in agricultural technology and agribusiness,” Prof. Samanhudi said.

Ir. Eko Nugroho Isbandiharso, M.Si., Head of Dispartan KPP Surakarta City, delivered the keynote remarks, emphasizing the importance of the younger generation’s role in developing agricultural technology in Indonesia. He pointed out that few agriculture graduates are interested in becoming farmers, largely due to the lack of promising career prospects in the agricultural sector. He stressed the need for improvements in national agricultural infrastructure to attract foreign investors and enhance human resources.

The first session was delivered by Dr. rer. Agr. Evi Irawan, S.P., M.Sc., a lecturer from the Agribusiness Program of the Faculty of Agriculture UNS. He discussed Agriculture 5.0, which offers solutions to meet Indonesia’s growing food needs. “The key features of Agriculture 5.0 are automation and robotics, such as the use of drones and precision agriculture. More agritech startups are needed to support the use of advanced agricultural technology,” Dr. Evi explained.

The second session was led by Khanif Irsyad Fahmi, S.P., CEO of Gemati Farm and former President of the FP Student Executive Board (BEM) in 2021. Khanif elaborated on strategies to increase farmer regeneration, highlighting the future potential of agriculture compared to other sectors. “The opportunities in agriculture are far greater in the future than in other sectors, and young people should be more interested. Strategies for creating new farmers include easy access to capital, more training for young farmers, improving farmer welfare, and promoting young farmer communities,” Khanif stated.

At the end of the event, seminar participants engaged in a question-and-answer session discussing the implementation of agricultural innovation and technology. This discussion aimed to broaden students’ knowledge and promote wider adoption of innovations among the younger generation. With its relevant theme and expert speakers, the FAST 2024 National Seminar became an important forum for discussing the challenges and opportunities in Indonesia’s agricultural sector in the era of Industry 4.0. We expect the seminar’s outcomes to inspire young people and FP students to take concrete steps to enhance innovation and the relevance of agriculture in the future.

HUMAS UNS

Editor: Dwi Hastuti