Hasanuddin University’s Faculty of Agriculture welcomed 947 new students in the Faculty-level Introduction to New Student Campus Life (PKKMB). Activities are centered on the 1st floor of the Faperta Hall and several other locations within the Faperta scope (GB floors 1 and 2, LT 6, and STP) which are connected via zoom meeting (15/8).

Prof. Dr. Ir. Salangke, M.Sc as the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture Unhas gave a speech and opened the event. In his remarks, Prof. Salangke revealed that the Faculty of Agriculture is one of the major faculties at Unhas with 130 lecturers. He added that the largest patent produced by Unhas was mostly contributed by the Faculty of Agriculture.

“The highest program for research now is called Kedaireka. Kedaireka is a program that transmits research results from lecturers. Of the 16 faculties, if I’m not mistaken, agriculture contributes 27% to Kedaireka,” explained Prof. Salengke. 

Even though many agricultural programs have been carried out, according to him there are sad facts in the world that must be paid attention to in the agricultural sector. The latest data shows that as many as 44 countries are still experiencing serious hunger problems and 15% of Indonesia’s population is also still in a state of hunger. This shows that big challenges are still being faced, especially in preparing enough food for the world’s population, not only in Indonesia.

Prof. Salengke explained the challenges of global agriculture in the 21st century. First, the world’s population is expected to continue to increase to 9.47 billion in 2045. Second, a decrease in natural resources caused by a decrease in the area and quality of agricultural land and a lack of water supply for agriculture. Third, global warming and climate change are causing an increase in temperature of around 1.06º.