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| Guest Lecture for New Students of Agricultural Technology Program at Muhammadiyah University of Malang (UMM) on the Topic of Addressing Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainable Agriculture Transformation in Era 5.0. (Photo: Rizky Humas) |
Nowadays, interest in the field of agriculture is declining. Young people are becoming less inclined to pursue agriculture because they perceive it as less promising. According to data from the Ministry of Agriculture's Agency for Agricultural Human Resources Development and Empowerment (BBSDMP Kementan), in 2020, farmers aged 20-39 years old accounted for only 2.7 million out of a total of 33.4 million farmers. 61% of farmers in Indonesia are above 45 years old. Dr. Ir. Nurdiah Husnah, M.Sc., from the Ministry of Agriculture's Testing Center for Citrus and Subtropical Fruit Plant Instruments (BSIP Jestro), stated that many young people don't find the profession of a farmer "cool."
She conveyed this message during a Guest Lecture for new students of the Agricultural Technology Program at Muhammadiyah University of Malang (UMM) titled Addressing Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainable Agriculture Transformation in the Era 5.0. Besides being a guest lecture, this event is also a part of the revitalization of the Center of Excellence (CoE) program in collaboration with the Business and Industrial World (DUDI).
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According to her, there are several key problems that deter young people from entering the field of agriculture. These include land use conversion, limited agricultural capital, and imprecise cultivation techniques. The decline in agricultural and human resources does not align with society's demand for food. Hence, collaboration between technology and human expertise is essential to create agriculture that aligns with era 5.0.
The application of technology in agriculture aims to combine artificial intelligence (AI) with human intelligence to advance agriculture in Indonesia. Currently, agriculture still relies on conventional methods that require significant human resources and costs. Therefore, there is a need for collaboration between the government, private sector, academia, and the community to develop agriculture in the era 5.0.
The answer lies in agricultural mechanization, as stated by Arif Wibowo, the director of PT. Sumber Alam Unggul. Agricultural mechanization represents a collaboration between AI and humans to utilize limited land while maximizing agricultural yields.
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"For example, the use of aeroponic farming systems specifically designed with automated plant irrigation systems. Also, the use of drones for fertilizer spraying and agricultural harvesting machines," Arif emphasized.
Meanwhile, Ir. Suwarno, MM, one of the directors of PT. Syngenta Seed Indonesia believes that the application of technology in agriculture is not limited to the creation of advanced machines. It extends to the production of fertilizers, seeding technologies to create superior seeds, and the development of organic pesticides to combat pests.
"Students need to be prepared to be pioneers in creating an agricultural ecosystem that aligns with Industry 5.0," he added.
This aligns with UMM's approach. UMM's Rector, Prof. Dr. Fauzan, M.Pd., stated that the university is currently preparing its students to directly enter the industry. Students are equipped with technical skills so that when they enter the industry, they know what to do. All of this is packaged in the form of excellent classes or CoE, which have been established since 2018.
"The hope is that through this program, students can be assured of their ability to work in the industry and have an independent attitude," he concluded. (Tri/Wil)
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