Food and drug security are two of the most challenging issues since they are closely related to the primary human need. Since January 2020, the Agrifood and Biotechnology Research Centre (the Agrifotech) has been established under the coordination of the Directorate of Research and Community Service (DRPM) of the Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS), Surabaya.
The aim is to increase and expand the ITS active role in food and drug security through research and innovative products that adapt to unique agro-ecosystem conditions and land characteristics. The Agrifotech is expected to support and participate in the national aim of minimizing imported food and drug commodities and even improving the quality of national products to meet import standards.
This is in line with the vision of the National Research Master Plan (RIRN) 2017-2045: Indonesia in 2045 has competitive and research-based sovereigns. It is also related to one of the pillars of the National Medium Term Development Plan (RPJMN) 2020-2024: strengthening and establishing Indonesia’s welfare through financial security for the best quality growth.
Since the research focusing on food and biotechnology is wide, the Agrifotech is ready to be a forum coordinator for any research collaborations between ITS researchers and regional, national dan international partners to find the best solutions for human prosperity issues related to food and drug security.