Improving SPR Competence, PSP3 IPB University Sign Four Cooperation Agreements

Head of the Center for Agricultural and Rural Development Studies (PSP3) IPB University, Prof Muladno signed four cooperation agreements with communities and companies to improve the competence of the People's Animal Husbandry School (SPR). The signing of the Letter of Cooperation Agreement (SPK) was carried out at the PSP3 Office of IPB University, Baranangsiang Bogor Campus, (17/3).

The PSP3 IPB University cooperation agreement with the Indonesian People's Animal Husbandry School Alumni Solidarity (SASPRI) was carried out with four parties, first with PT Perisai Muda Notonegoro (PNM), an information technology-based security system company.

Second, cooperation was established with one of the German companies, Deutsche Sparkassenstiftung fur Internationale Kooperation (DSIK) in order to increase SPR, especially related to business literacy education through games or the Micro Business Game (MBG).

In terms of developing the Village Economy Horizontal Integration System for the Nation's Food Industry (Sinthesa), PSP3 IPB University with SASPRI collaborated with Yayasan Karya Bakti Bumi Indonesia (YKBBI).

Finally, a cooperation agreement on the development of the Chicken Industry Horizontal Integration System (Sinthia) was carried out between PSP3 IPB University, SASPRI, and the National Poultry Farmer Community (KPUN).

"Through cooperation agreements with institutions and companies, it is hoped that the ten-year-old SPR will be even better. We want to empower by empowering the community of smallholder farmers who have been left behind," said Prof Muladno, Head of PSP3 IPB University.

Through SPR, he continued, smallholder farmers obtained science, technology and assistance. Partner companies and institutions, in this case PSP3 IPB University, will contribute to the development of a better SPR.

"Through collaboration with YKBBI, PSP3 IPB University wants to invite regents to implement SPR in their respective regions. This step is intended to accelerate the increase in the number of smart and knowledgeable breeders. The task of IPB University is to provide knowledge and change the mindset," he added.

He added that PSP3 IPB University is also facilitated by YKBBI to apply the empowerment of farmers and breeders developed by IPB University, one of which is SPR in 333 urban districts that have island and coastal areas. This is done to advance the fields of animal husbandry and agriculture in the area.

At the meeting, Michael Kuehl, the Regional Coordinator of DSIK Indonesia and the Philippines, admitted that he was very happy to be able to help banks in Indonesia with financial literacy for the community. According to him, this is also important to do for the education of farmers and ranchers because the businesses they run will require financing sourced from the banking sector.

"Micro Business Game (MBG) education is very good for students, lecturers, breeders, and farmers. So that when they build a business, they can immediately apply. MBG is the best way to overcome problems because participants can discuss the right decision making. It's an effective way to learn," said Michael Kuehl.

Through this collaboration, he will also prepare business games for farmers. Michael Kuehl hopes that this game will help change the mindset of farmers and ranchers to be more advanced.

Similarly, SASPRI Representative Dr Bramada Winiar Putra (Head of Field Station) mentioned the importance of this collaboration as one of the steps to building a better SPR. The reason is that farmers and ranchers need an entrepreneurial mindset, a mindset that this livestock business becomes their main business and not part-time.

"SASPRI can become the standard for Indonesian livestock. Thus, it is hoped that farmers can adopt and replicate the business model developed by SASPRI. Today is the foundation for realizing the development of not only education but also the economic and social aspects of society," he concluded.

In addition to the signing of SPK, the meeting was also filled with discussions related to the possibility of cooperation in the genetic development of native chickens with PT Indonesia Hendrix Genetics, a company that produces various world-class laying hen brands. (dh/Rz)(IAAS/MZS)