BRIN promotes steps for adaptation and mitigation of climate-resilient food

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Head of the Food Crop Research Centre at the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Yudhistira Nugraha, emphasised the importance of agricultural innovations to address extreme climate change that impacts the decline in harvest production. He highlighted that stress conditions due to climate change will reduce both the production and quality of seeds or fruits, as photosynthesis accumulation is disrupted by rising temperatures. “The impact of climate change related to crop production can directly affect the plants, meaning the plants will experience heat, thus causing heat stress for the plants,” said Yudhistira during the Dissemination of Climate-Resilient Food Innovations event held online in Jakarta on Monday. To face this crisis threat, Yudhistira offered two main interconnected solutions: adaptation and mitigation efforts. “For interventions that can be carried out, for example, how to also reduce or manage our peatlands, because our peatlands are also part of the contribution to greenhouse gases,” he stated. Other interventions include the application of rice cultivation technology that can reduce emissions while adapting to extreme climates, as well as the implementation of agroforestry for ecosystems in dry lands. As a leading research institution, BRIN plays a central role in providing applicable innovations to be implemented in various regions. “BRIN can act as a facilitator, providing science-based proven validations related to greenhouse gas impact claims, for example, scientifically calculating the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, and this is already being done by BRIN,” said Yudhistira Nugraha.