Emir Šahinović

Graduate Student, Plant Protection Germany
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Emir is a master’s student at the Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences at the University of Sarajevo. He has been working on the experimental part of his thesis at the Faculty of Agriculture in Novi Sad in Serbia as an exchange student. He is currently an intern at the Institute for Agricultural and Urban Ecological Projects at the Humboldt University of Berlin (IASP) at the experimental station in Berge. Currently, it is the harvest season, so together with his colleagues, they are finishing harvesting the plots and sending them for further analysis.

Tell us a bit about your career. What do you love about your studies and how did you get here?

The topic of my research is Fusarium sp. on the apple. However, I am currently doing a completely different job in a completely different sector. I really like the daily work at IASP, from repairing tractors and harvesters to the final harvest, because every day I learn something new and interesting. At the same time, working in the field, I feel what it really means to produce food and how much effort is needed to get the final product.

What advice would you share with young people who hope to contribute to sustainable food systems and farming?

It is particularly important for young people and researchers to feel the consequences of drought and climate change in the field and how farmers adapt to daily challenges. In this way, they will have the best insight into which direction they should go with their innovations and contributions.

How does agriculture need to change to be more sustainable?

How can science and innovation help promote sustainability in food and agriculture?

It is science that will provide the answer to the question of how to achieve sustainable food production. I think that by popularizing science and scientific achievements in agriculture, we will contribute to solving this challenge.

How do you see next-generation agricultural technologies contributing to climate change?

Innovative technologies bring sustainable solutions, especially when it comes to climate change in the form of extreme droughts. Extreme droughts are the most fundamental problem in food production, considering that water is the most precious resource. Responsible management of this resource is necessary. Modern technologies enable the creation of drought-resistant crops and, at the same time, precise data on all the resources we use. By combining precise data on material and energy consumption and the creation of resistant crops, the technology eases the consequences of climate change.

Anything else you would like to share?

I would like to encourage all young people to get involved in sustainable food production to understand what an amazing experience it is to reap the fruits of your own efforts and work.

Emir is just one of many inspirational young people working in agriculture. Visit our NextGen #FoodHeroes page to hear from other next-gen innovators working to improve plant science and nutrition.