IndoBIC Concludes Seminar on Biotech Potato

IndoBIC held a seminar on Biotech Potato as Eco-Friendly Late Blight Disease Control Component for farmers, agricultural officers, and scientists on November 25, 2014 at SEAMEO BIOTROP. Some 31 participants and speakers from agricultural officials, farmers, and representatives from research institutions attended this event through the support of the Agricultural Biotechnology Support Project (ABSP II) in collaboration with IndoBIC and ICABIOGRAD, ISAAA, and SEAMEO BIOTROP.

This seminar was graced by Dr. Hilman Affandi in behalf of BIOTROP Board of Directors; Dr. Frank Shotkoski, Director of ABSP II from Cornell University; and Prof. Dr. M. Herman, Indonesia ABSP Coordinator. In officially opening the training program, BIOTROP senior scientist emphasized that some of the genetic engineering products have been approved by the Indonesian Biosafety Commission in Indonesia. Biotechnology applications can contribute solutions to overcome several food issues aside from increasing farmers' income.

Participants learned about the current status of studies on biotech potato resistance to late blight disease; and on environment and food safety of biotech potato, respectively from Dr Dinar Ambarwati and Prof. Dr. M. Herman from Indonesia Center for Agricultural Biotechnology and Genetic Resources (ICABIOGRAD). The biotech potato registration preparation process was delivered by Ir. Kusmana from Indonesian Vegetable Research Institute (IVRI) and public perception and social economic impact of biotech potato by Ir Dahri Tanjung, M.Si from Centre for Alternative Dispute Resolutions, Regulation & Policy Analysis and Community Empowerment (CARE – IPB).

For details of this seminar contact, Ms. Dewi Suryani of IndoBIC at  catleyavanda@gmail.com