TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) is conducting research on the diversification of staple food by exploring the local plant genetic resources. The exploration is done with metabolomics technology to find out the nutrients, bioactive compounds, and quality of different food sources. Metabolomics is a molecular biology study focusing on the enzymatic process inside the body.

The Head of BRIN's Agricultural and Food Research Organization (ORPP) Puji Lestari said that the local genetic resources could adapt well to certain environmental conditions.

"Our genetic resources, Indonesia's local food sources, have high nutrient value and are appropriate for local diet preferences. The local genetic resource could boost the agricultural security and stability," she said in a statement on August 3, 2023.

Local genetic resources are intertwined with the natives' traditional knowledge and cultural practices. Metabolomics study with an emic approach will support the effort to promote the diversification of food sources, aiming for food sustainability and improving health and nutrition intake. The emic approach explains a phenomenon from the perspectives of the natives.

Meanwhile, the Head of BRIN's Research Center for Food Crops (PRTP) Yudisthira Nugraha said that the most current research is intended to diversify food staples by exploring the local genetic resources to be utilized such as sorghum, cassava, local composite corn, hanjeli, sago, and breadfruit. The agency also considered the potential of beans such as tung beans, sword beans, and red beans as a substitute for soybean and protein sources.

MARIA FRANSISCA LAHUR

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