UNS – Prof. Dr. Ir. Joko Sutrisno, M.P., has been inaugurated as the 46th Professor of the Faculty of Agriculture (FP) and the 321st Professor at Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta. He was officially awarded the title of Professor in Agricultural Resource Economics. During his inaugural address, Prof. Joko delivered a speech titled “The Economic Value of Agricultural Land Conservation in Supporting Sustainable Food Self-Sufficiency.”
In his remarks, Prof. Joko, who also serves as the Director of the Directorate of Student Affairs at UNS, emphasized that agricultural production heavily depends on the quantity and quality of land resources. He identified two major challenges in enhancing agricultural production: the reduction in farmland area and land degradation. The shrinking of agricultural land is primarily driven by the conversion of farmland for non-agricultural uses. Additionally, declining soil fertility is often attributed to land management practices that disregard conservation principles.
Prof. Joko Sutrisno underscored the necessity of implementing agricultural land management practices that adhere to conservation principles. Such practices can mitigate erosion, thus preventing land degradation. In upstream watershed areas, proper conservation can prevent issues such as declining land productivity, reduced farmer income, and the emergence of critical lands. Meanwhile, in downstream watershed areas, conservation efforts can mitigate sedimentation in lakes or reservoirs, flooding, and drought.
“Land degradation has significant economic consequences. These losses can be quantified by conducting an economic valuation of the damage to land resources and its resulting impacts,” Prof. Joko Sutrisno stated.
Prof. Joko’s expertise includes calculating the economic losses caused by land degradation. This involves estimating the replacement costs required to restore the land to its original physical, chemical, and biological state. In downstream areas, the valuation focuses on the reduced or lost functions and environmental services.
Based on Prof. Joko’s in-depth economic valuation, the losses resulting from land degradation are substantial. Preventing degradation through conservation principles is essential for maintaining land fertility. This approach positively impacts agricultural productivity, ensuring it remains sustainable. Prof. Joko’s recommendations are regarded as vital contributions to achieving long-term food self-sufficiency.
The Chair of the UNS Professorial Council, Prof. Drs. Suranto Tjiptowibisono, M.Sc., Ph.D., in his remarks during the inauguration, highlighted the importance of sustainability advocated by Prof. Joko Sutrisno. He emphasized that the contributions of professors, particularly those still young at the time of their inauguration, are eagerly awaited through future research and innovations.
“From Prof. Joko Sutrisno, we learn that agricultural activities must incorporate conservation principles to safeguard land resources and maintain soil fertility, ensuring the sustainability of agricultural production,” Prof. Suranto said.
Humas UNS
