Enhancing food security in Indonesia: The role of agricultural biotechnology in addressing climate change and food demand challenges

Abstract

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) documented that around 2.4 billion people were experiencing food inadequacy worldwide in 2022. Moreover, the United Nations has announced that the world population will soar to 9.8 billion people in 2050, indicating a potential food demand boost. Exacerbated by climate change, global food security issues are scrutinized by policymakers, stakeholders, and researchers globally. With around 275 million people and an escalating number of imported staple food products, Indonesia is at high risk of food insecurity. This study aims to examine the efficiency of various agricultural biotechnology practices and predict their feasibility of implementation in addressing agricultural and climate change obstacles while evaluating the socioeconomic and political impact of agricultural biotechnology implementations in Indonesia. This research employs a systematic literature review methodology to suggest agricultural biotechnology strategies and policy management for Indonesia. The results revealed significant increases in food security research, which could pave the way for Indonesia’s advancements in the agricultural biotechnology sector despite the complexity of population pressure, lack of automation, insufficient arable land, and the inefficient use of fertilizers, which exacerbated the ecological damage. Therefore, investment in agricultural biotechnology is crucial as it offers comprehensive solutions to tackle the issues. In addition, the government is suggested to re-strategize the subsidy allocation in the farm sector to invest in agricultural machinery technology, human resources improvement, and agricultural research.