IPB University and GAPKI Increase Partnership in Sustainable Palm Oil Development

IPB University and the Indonesian Palm Oil Association (GAPKI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on coaching and partnerships in the field of plantation and sustainable palm oil industry. This was done to ward off negative issues from within and outside the country, increase production through the application of technology, and the development of palm oil derivative products, Tuesday (10/9) at the Dramaga Campus in Bogor.

The partnership was signed by IPB University Rector, Dr. Arif Satria, and the Indonesian Palm Oil Association, Ir. Joko Supriyono, MM. This event was witnessed by the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Dr. Suwardi, General Secretary of GAPKI, Kanya Laskhmi Sidarta, Vice Chairman of GAPKI, Togar Sitanggang, lecturers and researchers from IPB University, and the officials of GAPKI.
 
IPB University Rector responded to this partnership with gratitude. He said that it would be beneficial in tackling the issue of palm oil nationally and internationally. IPB University has the competence to transform technology in the field starting from the on-farming (nurseries, fertilizing and maintaining) and processing.

The Rector of IPB University explained, now the palm oil industry needed direct attention in an already developed advanced technology that got the attention of IPB University researchers including undergraduate students who are interested in palm oil research. Important technology in increasing production such as careful application of fertilizers. Right now, farmers and business actors often find it difficult to obtain optimal and effective fertilization results. Now, oil palm farmers are no longer distracted to find out what kind of fertilizer is needed, such as what ratio of dough is suitable, how much fertilizer is needed, when is the right time to fertilize.

 “IPB University is developing a fertilizing system named Precision Agriculture Platform for Oil Palm (PreciPalm). This technology gives recommendation in Nitrogen, Phosphate, and Potassium (NPK) fertilization for palm oil plants through leaf images. This application-based innovation is supported by Sentinel 2 satellite whose data is processed with the Decision Support System Fertilizer (DSSF). Therefore, the palm oil industry can know the level of soil and plant fertility. The positive impact, fertilizer costs can be saved up to 15%” said Rector.
 
Regarding the environment issue, Dr Arif Satria explained that businesses can help commercialize helmet products made from palm oil waste, developed by researchers at IPB University. Through this product, it is expected to support a positive campaign to deal with negative issues. "This helmet will be cooperated with transportation service technology companies. If so, the company driver wears a green helmet. This is an extraordinary campaign for environmentally friendly palm oil, "he said.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of GAPKI, Ir. Joko Supriyono, MM appreciated the partnership to strengthen the sustainability of palm oil industry in Indonesia. This moment, he thought, was very much anticipated because the relationship between business and IPB researchers had been established for so long.  "The palm oil industry and academics need to synergize in developing oil palm to ward off various negative issues both from outside and from within the country, work together to solve the problem of increasing production, good and effective fertilization methods, eradication of Ganoderma disease, overcoming palm oil waste and product development palm oil derivatives,” said Joko.

He added that partnership was the best choice. IPB University has researchers and lecturers who are competent in the field of oil palm so that the results of innovation can be applied directly in oil palm plantations. GAPKI had received the full support of IPB University researchers to deal with the pressures in the palm oil industry. Because counteracting negative issues needs scientific study through valid data from research results.

GAPKI fully supported the development of Palm Oil Study Center which was initiated of IPB University. This institution will play a role in scientific studies to find solutions to various problems of increasing production, environmental improvement, health, human rights, international trade, and other strategic issues. In addition, it is a place to gain knowledge, study, conduct research , and research and create technology for the development of sustainable palm oil.