Agronomists to hold congress

JAKARTA (JP): The Association of Indonesian Agronomists will hold its sixth annual congress and national symposium here later this month.

The association's chairwoman, Justika S. Baharsjah, said yesterday that the congress will bring together scientists, experts and enthusiasts to exchange information on agronomy and other related fields.

The congress and symposium will be held from June 25 to June 27 at the Sahid Jaya Hotel, after being officially opened by President Soeharto at the State Palace.

About 450 participants from across the country are expected to join the event. The participants will consist of university professors, researchers, business people and government officials.

Justika said the congress and symposium will consist of a seminar, exhibition and discussions and will present noted speakers such as Minister of Agriculture Sjarifudin Baharsjah, Minister of National Development Planning Ginandjar Kartasasmita and Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Aburizal Bakrie.

Justika, who is the wife of minister Sjarifudin, said the congress is also expected to harmonize the perception of agronomists so they can better develop the agricultural sector.

In the past, the association conducted various programs, including helping the government in a national water-saving campaign.

The association is also participating in a giant rice estate project in Central Kalimantan to convert one million hectares of peat land into rice estates and to help farmers develop special food crop varieties that are immune to various diseases. (pwn)