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In an era of rapidly advancing technology, the agricultural sector is not left behind. Integrating digital technology into crop research and development has opened up new avenues for enhancing food security, especially in regions like Indonesia, where agriculture plays a crucial role in the economy.
Yudhistira Nugraha, Head of the Food Crop Research Centre at the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), highlighted the transformative potential of digital technology in agriculture. One of the key points Yudhistira emphasised was the critical role that digital technology plays in developing superior crop varieties. While effective, traditional methods of crop breeding and seed management have limitations, particularly in the face of rapidly changing environmental conditions and evolving pest and disease threats; digital technology, particularly in genomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics is revolutionising how researchers approach these challenges.
Yudhistira pointed out that while the current superior varieties are more productive than their predecessors, there is still significant room for improvement. For example, the IR8 rice variety, once heralded as a breakthrough in the 1960s, has seen yields decline over the decades due to factors such as climate change. This decline underscores the need for continuous innovation in seed development.
BRIN is at the forefront of this innovation, employing precision breeding techniques that leverage advanced digital technologies. Precision breeding involves using data-driven approaches to identify and select traits that will lead to higher yields, greater resilience to environmental stress, and improved resistance to pests and diseases. This approach is supported by integrating genomic, transcriptomic, and metabolomic data, which allows researchers to understand the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying these desirable traits.
Yudhistira highlighted that BRIN’s research has already yielded results. From 1967 to 2015, research on rice crops in Indonesia showed significant genetic progress, with an average increase in productivity of 0.7 tonnes per hectare per year. This progress is attributed mainly to applying advanced breeding techniques and using genetic data to inform breeding decisions.
Beyond the development of superior varieties, digital technology is also transforming how seeds are managed and distributed. BRIN, in collaboration with various stakeholders, has produced a wide range of exceptional varieties of food crops, including rice, soybeans, mung beans, and sorghum. However, the challenge lies in ensuring that these superior seeds reach the farmers who need them the most.
To address this challenge, BRIN is utilising digital platforms to streamline the distribution of seeds and ensure that they are accessible to farmers across the country. These platforms allow for real-time tracking of seed availability, demand forecasting, and efficient distribution logistics. By integrating digital technology into seed management, BRIN is helping to ensure farmers have access to the best possible seeds, thereby maximising their yields and contributing to national food security.
Looking to the future, Yudhistira revealed that BRIN is working on developing new crop varieties using genome editing techniques. These techniques allow for precise modifications to the DNA of crops, enabling the development of varieties that are more resistant to diseases, pests, and environmental stressors. The first genome-edited crops from BRIN are expected to be released in 2025, marking a significant milestone in the agency’s efforts to enhance agricultural productivity in Indonesia.
Genome editing represents the cutting edge of agricultural research, offering the potential to overcome some of the most pressing challenges facing global food production. By developing crops that are better suited to the changing climate and resistant to emerging diseases, genome editing can play a pivotal role in ensuring food security in the years to come.
Integrating digital technology into agricultural research and seed management is transforming how we approach food production. Through precision breeding, genome editing, and digital platforms for seed distribution, BRIN is leading the way in developing superior crop varieties that are more productive, resilient, and sustainable. As Indonesia continues to invest in these innovations, the future of its agricultural sector looks increasingly bright, with the potential to meet the nation’s food security needs and contribute to global efforts to feed a growing population.
