ULM Inaugurates Four Professors of Agriculture: A Strategic Step Towards Food Security and Sustainability

Banjarbaru – Lambung Mangkurat University (ULM) once again made significant history in the development of science by inaugurating four professors from the Faculty of Agriculture. The inauguration ceremony took place solemnly in the Banjarbaru Auditorium on Tuesday (August 19, 2025) and was attended by university leaders, academics, and invited guests.

The four professors inaugurated were Prof. Dr. Ir. Hamdani, MS, with a scientific oration entitled “The Strategic Role of Agribusiness Systems in Achieving Sustainable Agricultural Production and Prosperous Farmers.” In his presentation, Prof. Hamdani emphasized that developing an integrated agribusiness system is key to improving farmer welfare while maintaining sustainable food production.

Meanwhile, Prof. Dr. Ir. Bambang Joko Priatmadi, M.P., delivered a scientific speech entitled “Management of Acid Sulfate Soils in Tidal Lands in South Kalimantan to Support Food Self-Sufficiency.” He emphasized the importance of innovative tidal swamp management as a strategic solution to support national food security.

The next professor, Prof. Dr. Ika Sumantri, S.Pt., M.Si., M.Sc., addressed the audience with the theme “The Contribution of Feed Technology to the Transformation of Sustainable Livestock Production Systems.” According to her, feed technology plays a vital role in increasing livestock productivity and business efficiency, while simultaneously promoting environmentally friendly production systems.

Prof. Dr. Ir. Mariana, M.P., delivered a scientific speech entitled “The Role of Fungi in Plant Disease Management in Swamplands.” In her speech, she emphasized that the use of fungi as biological agents can be a more environmentally friendly alternative for controlling plant diseases while also supporting sustainable agriculture in swamplands.

In his remarks, the Rector expressed her high appreciation for this achievement. According to him, the increase in the number of professors demonstrates ULM’s commitment to producing scientific work that is of broad benefit to society, particularly in agriculture, a strategic sector in South Kalimantan.

“Today is concrete evidence that ULM remains enthusiastic in implementing the Tri Dharma of Higher Education at Lambung Mangkurat University,” said the Rector.

Furthermore, the Rector also took this opportunity to share information regarding ULM’s readiness to open an Off-Campus Study Program (PSDKU). According to him, this step demonstrates ULM’s contribution to providing the widest possible access to higher education for the people of South Kalimantan, enabling them to accelerate the improvement of the quality of the region’s human resources.