KTNA Supports Biotechnology Development in Indonesia

KTNA (National Outstanding Farmer and Fisherman Association) has committed to support biotechnology development in Indonesia. This was concluded in two farmer workshops conducted in Kediri on 16 July 2009 and Lampung on 22 July 2009. The workshops with the theme "Biotechnology for farmers' independence"  was aimed to provide good understanding on agriculture biotechnology and to establish relationships with industries and farmer associations. Organized by the Indonesian Biotechnology Information Center (IndoBIC) and KTNA, and supported by SEAMEO BIOTROP, Indonesian Society for Agricultural Biotechnology (PBPI) and ISAAA, the event was participated  by 45 farmers, members of associations, and grain councils.

KTNA is an independent Indonesian organization oriented towards agribusiness and environment friendly agriculltural technologies to improve the social status in the agricultural sector. As one of the biggest farmer associations in Indonesia, KTNA will have an important role in the development of agriculture, including biotechnology. According to Ir. Winarno Tohir, head of the KTNA, "We need to establish collaboration with local agricultural organizations in order to achieve farmers' independence. The development and application of biotechnology is very important towards this end". He also cited the "Seeing is believing" as an activity needed by the farmers to see successes in the adoption of biotechnology.

Prominent Indonesian scientists Prof. Dr. Bambang Sugiharto from Jember University and Prof. Dr. Setyo Dwi Utomo from University of Lampung also discussed international and local agricultural development innovations in biotechnology.   

For more information on this event, email Dewi Suryani of IndoBIC at dewisuryani@biotrop.org.