By: Emira Farahnaz and Frenceay Titus
SERDANG, Oct 4 – The Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), held an International Agricultural Congress (IAC) 2016 to enable an international intellectual forum to deliberate on the latest in agricultural technologies.
Minister of Agriculture and Agro-based Industries, Dato’ Sri Ahmad Shabery Cheek said the sharing of knowledge among academicians, researchers, entrepreneurs, policy-makers and practitioners could effectively outline strategies and planning to address current problems facing the sector.
“Agricultural activities are presently being exposed to environmental factors such as drastic climate change and unsustainable practices that can be harmful in the long run,” he said.
Meanwhile, UPM Vice Chancellor, Prof. Datin Paduka Dr. Aini Ideris said that intellectuals and experts who were well-versed in their respective fields, should come together to discuss the issues and other problems arising as well as the use of 'green technology in the agricultural sector.
Chairman of IAC 2016, Prof. Dr. Aziz Arshad, said the biennial congress was aimed at providing a platform for experts to be involved in an intellectual dialogue at the international level to facilitate the exchange innovations and new discoveries that could boost agriculture productivity.
He also said, the theme of the congress “Enhancing Green Agriculture” was chosen to focus entirely on the creation of green campus and to minimise wastage of natural resources.
During the event, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between UPM and Universiti Brawijaya, Indonesia, to facilitate research activities, exchange of students and mobility between the two parties.
Also present was Dean of Agriculture Faculty, Prof. Dr. Abdul Shukor Juraimi. – UPM
