The Faculty of Agriculture, University of Medan Area (UMA) held a Network Culture Workshop with the theme Tissue Culture for Improving Tropical Crop Production which was held on Monday 10 February 2020 at the Convention Hall of Campus I, Medan Area University.
The workshop was attended by hundreds of high school / vocational students from a number of districts / cities in North Sumatra. Activities opened by the Chancellor of UMA Prof. Dr. Dadan Ramdan M.Eng M.Sc presented two speakers, namely Professor of the UMA Faculty of Agriculture Prof. Dr. Ir. Rafiqi Tantawi MS, and UMA Faculty of Agriculture lecturer Asep Rodiansah SP, MP. Present at the event, the Vice Chancellor (WR) of Academic Affairs Dr. Ir. Siti Mardiana M.Sc, WR Cooperation Field Dr. Ir. Zulheri Noer MP, Head of Public Relations Division UMA Ir. Asmah Indrawaty MP, lecturers and teacher assistants.
The Dean of Agriculture of UMA explained that the propagation of plants through tissue culture is far superior to conventional methods. "Propagation through tissue culture allows the propagation of plants on a large scale with a relatively faster time. In addition, tissue culture still retains the character of plants. Whereas the propagation of plants through conventional methods will lead to deviations in plant characteristics, "said the Dean of Agriculture at UMA.
Meanwhile, Professor of the UMA Faculty of Agriculture Prof. Dr. Ir. Ahmad Rafiqi Tantawi MS said, tissue culture is a technique to multiply plants by increasing the micro tissue of plants that are grown in vitro into perfect plants in unlimited quantities.
"Tissue culture is a method for isolating parts of plants such as protoplasms, cells, tissues, organs and growing them in aseptic conditions so that these parts can multiply and regenerate into whole plants again," said Prof. Rafiqi.
Meanwhile, UMA Rector Prof. Dr. Dadan Ramdan, M.Eng, M.Sc in his remarks expressed his gratitude to the Faculty of Agriculture UMA who initiated the Network Culture Workshop by involving high school / vocational students as participants. Because the method of propagation of plants through tissue culture is currently a trend.
"Indonesia is also known as an agrarian country because most of its population has a livelihood in agriculture or farming. Therefore, the concept developed by Faperta as the basis of tissue culture is very appropriate, "said the UMA Rector.
Previously, the Chair of the Committee Ir. Rizal Aziz MP in his report reported, students who participated were divided into three groups. After attending the workshop, each group will be taken to visit the UMA Faculty of Agriculture pilot garden, laboratory and compost house.
