Minister of National Development Planning/Chairman of Bappenas Reviews the Dairy Cattle Program at IPB University

The Minister of National Development Planning (PPN)/Chairman of the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas), Prof Rachmat Pambudy, directly reviewed the development of the Dairy Cattle program at the IPB University Campus, Bogor, on Tuesday (7/15).

This program is a strategic effort to strengthen national food security, particularly in promoting self-sufficiency in animal protein based on livestock genetic innovation.

The Rector of IPB University, Prof Arif Satria, personally welcomed the visit. Today’s visit was conducted at the closed house dairy cattle barn in the Department of Nutrition Science and Feed Technology, Faculty of Animal Science (Fapet).

Prof Arif explained that the Dairy Cattle program is part of IPB University’s tangible contribution to supporting national food sovereignty.

“This program is our endeavor to produce many superior varieties through scientific and technological approaches. This needs to be continuously synergized with various parties so it can be introduced more widely. We hope to achieve sovereignty in meat, milk, and other animal protein,” said Prof Arif.

The Dairy Cattle is developed by IPB University in collaboration with PT Moosa Genetika Farmindo. This innovation focuses on improving the genetic quality of dairy cattle through genomic (DNA) technology, to create superior breeds that are adaptive to the tropical climate, productive, and in line with national needs.

IPB University is also strengthening the livestock innovation ecosystem through the development of Jonggol Innovation Valley. This area is being prepared as a center for the integration of agricultural and livestock technology, equipped with facilities for palm oil processing, cooking oil, animal feed, fruit land, and sheep and cattle farming.

“Jonggol Innovation Valley will become a livestock center for the development of various superior varieties. We have coordinated with the Ministry of Bappenas and agreed on several important points, including Jonggol as one of the main loci,” he explained.

During the visit, Minister of Bappenas, Prof Rachmat Pambudy, expressed his appreciation for IPB University’s initiative. He emphasized the importance of expanding the food self-sufficiency agenda towards protein self-sufficiency.

“After we have managed to overcome carbohydrate issues, now it is time to address protein issues. We must move towards protein self-sufficiency, and today I am grateful to witness firsthand this extraordinary first step,” he said.

According to him, livestock technology at IPB University has shown significant progress. This program is expected to become an important milestone in building Indonesia’s food security based on innovation and independence.

“This program is extraordinary, even though it is non-governmental and non-state budget, but it is supervised by Bappenas,” he said. (IAAS/EXC)