The Indonesian Livestock Logistics Forum (FLPI): Encourage the Commercialization of Feed Forage
The Indonesian Livestock Logistics Forum (FLPI) organized the Focus Group Discussion (FGD) with the theme "Supply Chain of Local Strategic Feed Material for National Food Security", at the Faculty of Animal Science Meeting Room, IPB Campus, Dramaga, Bogor, 18 December 2017. In this present FGD Meeting, one of the Professor Chair Holders of IPB, who is also Chairman of the FLPI, Prof. Dr. Luki Abdullah, encouraged members to utilize corn to be the strategic feed forage. According to him, forage should be immediately commercialized. "How will we talk self-sufficiency in meat, if we are not seriously thinking about and discussing forage," he said.
Prof. Luki stated that domestically available corn supply remained relatively stable. Maize (Zea mays L.) green forage, particularly when it contains the stalks, leaves and ears, is an energy-rich feed for ruminant livestock. But unfortunately maize is not categorized as plantation crops or perennials, not seasonal crops. "We will encourage to utilize green forage for commercialization. Because if it is not considered as an economic commodity, then forever we won’ utilize them," added Prof. Luki.
He stated that corn should be considered as the plantation crops, and after that it can be diversified into two; corn for livestock and corn for food. The main reason is that corn is such a productive and versatile crop, responding to investments in research, breeding and promotion. It has incredibly high yields compared with most other crops, and it grows nearly anywhere in the country. Plus, it can be turned into a staggering array of products. Corn can be used for food as corn flour, cornmeal, hominy, grits or sweet corn. It can be used as animal feed to help fatten our hogs, chickens and cattle as green forage. "We want green forage, as the local fodders to be converted into the strategic local forage feed. If that happens, the supply chain will be better, "he explained.
Other guests in attendance were animal feed experts, Dr. Suryahadi, who presented his presentation on " Sistem Logistik Guna Menjamin Ketersediaan Pakan (Logistic System to Guarantee the Availability of Feed)". He stated constraints of feed in cattle transport vessels prepared by the government to facilitate the distribution of cattle, should not have occurred as we have a high potential of feed, a lot can be utilized. For that reason the importance of logistics system can guarantee the feed in the future.
Further, Dr Suryahadi explained that the livestock owners own only few cattle, they are unable to increase the number. The obstacles are due to the difficulty farmers procurement of adequate feeding. The feed is managed partially, not managed wholly. As a result the condition of the cow is very thin. "In order to enhance the quality and sustained availability of feed resources at all times, it is necessary to develop a feed production system produced on-farm," said Dr. Suryahadi.
Yet, the speaker for socio-economic aspect, Dr. Dedi Budiman Hakim, who discussed on "Konsep Kebijakan Suppy Chain Pakan Lokal Strategis dan Implikasinya (The Concept of Local Strategic Feed Supply Chain Policy and Its Implication)". He explained the price changes in the breeders did not follow the pattern of price changes in consumers. Information systems are a major corporate asset, with respect both to the benefits they provide and to their high costs, "he said.
The other speakers were Eny Hastuti from the Directorate of Animal Feed, Directorate General of Livestock and Animal Health, Ministry of Agriculture who talked on "Regulasi Pemerintah terhadap Rantai Pasok Pakan Lokal Strategis (Government Regulation on Strategic Local Food Supply Chain)". Among other guests in the special event were the Dean of FAPET IPB, Dr. Moh Yamin, and Prof. Dr. Nahrowi. (Wied)
