Universitas Brawijaya (UB) placed the 80th in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings for Universities SDG 2: Zero Hunger. This ranking was released on the website https://www.timeshighereducation.com in June 2024.
This achievement places UB in the top 100 universities in the world that contribute significantly in the efforts to overcome global hunger. This assessment was given to 803 universities in 96 countries.
This success cannot be separated from the various efforts made by UB in the field of food security. UB is active in developing sustainable agricultural technology which aims to increase agricultural productivity and efficient use of natural resources. Innovative research carried out includes the development of pest-resistant plant varieties, modern irrigation techniques and environmentally friendly land management. This research aims to create more effective and sustainable agricultural solutions, so that they are able to overcome challenges in food production.
In addition, UB also runs various community service programs which aim to empower local farmers. These programs include training on sustainable agricultural practices and providing access to new technology and knowledge. One concrete example is mapping the valuation of agricultural commodities and irrigation systems in Kedungrejo Village, Pakis District. Through discussion forums with local residents and community leaders, UB seeks to increase the efficiency and productivity of local agriculture.
UB also collaborates with various parties, including the government, private sector and non-governmental organizations, in an effort to overcome the problem of hunger. Currently UB is collaborating with the 2nd Infantry Division of Kostrad in order to increase the potential for national food development in the East Java region for food security programs, especially for corn and rice commodities.
Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Prof. Dr. Imam Santoso, M.P emphasized that UB comprehensively contributes significantly in the fields of agricultural education, agricultural technology, fisheries, animal husbandry, and related sciences, thereby contributing to the provision of human resources in the agro-complex field, including bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees.
“Through an excellent educational process supported by many professors and doctors in the field of agriculture, UB contributes to producing agricultural research findings and innovations that have an impact on agricultural production while supporting sustainable agriculture, providing healthy, safe and quality food and nutrition for the community, and have an impact on efforts to reduce hunger. So, UB plays a strategic role in achieving SDGs 2 for Indonesia and the world,” explained Imam Santoso.
Meanwhile, Head of UPT Reputation UB Adharul Muttaqin, S.T., M.T said, this ranking assessment consists of various indicators that cover important aspects of the university’s involvement in fighting hunger and increasing food security.
These indicators are: research on hunger (27 percent), food waste on campus (15.4 percent), the existence of programs that ensure students have access to nutritious food (19.2 percent), the proportion of graduates from programs that focus on sustainable agriculture and cultivation fisheries (19.2 percent), as well as initiation and collaboration to increase food security and reduce hunger (19.2 percent).
“With the various initiatives and programs that have been implemented, UB has not only succeeded in reaching 80th place in THE Impact Rankings 2024 for SDG 2, but also made a real contribution in an effort to end hunger and increase food security in Indonesia,” concluded Adharul. [AM/Irene/ UB PR/ Trans. Iir]
