IPB University and Apkasindo Begin to Apply Precipalm

IPB University together with PT.  Pupuk Kaltim collaborates with the Indonesian Palm Oil Farmers Association (Apkasindo) to test the application of Precipalm at the level of oil palm farmers.  The collaboration was marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between IPB University, PT.  Pupuk Kaltim and Apkasindo at the Manggala Wanabhakti Auditorium, Ministry of Environment and Forestry of the Republic of Indonesia, Jakarta (9/7).

“This is a collaboration between entrepreneurs, the government, farmers and academics.  With this collaboration, practitioners in the field such as entrepreneurs and farmers can contribute research ideas to IPB so that new innovations are produced that are more applicable, “explained the Chancellor of IPB University, Dr. Arif Satria.

According to him, in this industrial era 4.0, all must be ready to face change.  One of them is by producing technological innovations in agriculture, especially oil palm.  IPB University and PT.  Pupuk Kaltim has created Precipalm technology.  Namely technology that can provide precision fertilizer recommendations so that it is effective and efficient.

Dr.  Arif said that fertilizer efficiency based on recommendations from Precipalm technology reached 10 to 15 percent.  Thus oil palm farmers can save fertilizer costs.  On the other hand, to advance oil palm agriculture in Indonesia, IPB University also developed innovations such as smart pest management, Fastrex, smart fertilizing and drone and artificial intelligence to monitor biodiversity in oil palm plantations.

“Hopefully we can further strengthen technology in oil palm agriculture from upstream to downstream. Especially in on farm so that it can attract all parties to advance our oil palm,” said Dr. Arif.

Meanwhile, Chairperson of Apkasindo, Ir.  Wrestling Manurung Gold Medal, MP stated that this collaboration aims to enable oil palm farmers to apply correct and appropriate fertilization techniques.

“We sincerely hope that with this collaboration, oil palm farmers in the region will be able to fertilize oil palm appropriately. Timely, right dosage, appropriate, and proper nutrition. With proper fertilization, farmers can save costs, especially fertilizer.  for oil palm is not subsidized by the government, “he said.  (RA / Zul)