Dr. Sharifudin Baharsjah

Dr. Sharifudin Baharsjah is an outstanding development advocate and public servant who led efforts to promote food security in Indonesia through policies and measures, particularly the agribusiness approach, effectively increasing productivity of rice farms and uplifting the welfare of Indonesian farmers.

In his term as Minister of Agriculture of Indonesia, his fearless pursuit of a ban on 19 pesticides ineffective in controlling brown plant hoppers, led to the promotion and adoption of a natural equilibrium approach to controlling pests and diseases through farmer field schools. Natural equilibrium meant savings for farmers in addition to being a boon to human health and the environment.

His commitment to nurture minds and provide opportunities for others have led him to build institutions that undertake research, provide policy support, work with farmers, and provide scholarships, among others, to contribute to development not only in Indonesia but in all of Southeast Asia.

Plenary 2: In Quest of a Food Secure ASEAN Panel Discussion