PSP3 IPB University Empowers Dogiyai Young Farmers, Papua
The Center for Agriculture and Rural Development Studies (PSP3), Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM) IPB University provides an empowerment program for young farmers in Dogiyai Regency, Papua. The empowerment program that was given to 12 young farmers began with the delivery of materials related to agriculture on the Campus of IPB.
The arrival of the young farmers was welcomed by the Rector of IPB University at the Baranangsiang Campus, Bogor on Saturday (11/23).
The Chancellor of IPB University, Prof. Dr. Arif Satria said he was pleased with the presence of young farmers from Papua in activities related to farmer regeneration. He acknowledged, the current generation of farmers is getting older, not only experienced by Indonesia, but several countries are also experiencing similar problems, such as Japan and America.
“For this reason, it is important to regenerate old farmers with young farmers with quality. No matter how great the land, if not with inadequate human resources (HR), it will be in vain. Hopefully this is not the first. IPB University is ready to support and empower farmers with the latest technology, “said the Rector of IPB University.
The Chancellor of IPB University added, the agricultural technology model is now different from the previous agricultural model. Currently the technology used is more advanced. Through the development of this technology, now can check the maturity of the fruit with a smartphone and fertilizer application with the help of satellites.
Agricultural patterns are currently being developed at IPB University, so that next year the agricultural model at IPB University can be an example for farmers in Indonesia.
Head of PSP3 LPPM IPB University, Dr. Ir Sofyan Syaf said that the Dogiyai Regency has extraordinary agricultural potential, especially coffee and horticultural commodities. However, so far the farmers in Dogiyai have been constrained by the length of the supply chain or supply chain from upstream to downstream.
“These young farmers will be given capacity building while at IPB University. We will accommodate what they need, they will also be invited to Pangalengan to see a good packaging process there, “said Sofyan.
He hopes that the program provided will increase the insight of young farmers so that the agricultural products produced can be export-oriented. In addition, they will also be trained in product standards so that products can enter the export market.
“Various standard requirements must be met, these understandings will be given to young farmers. It is hoped that the products produced can become superior commodities in Papua, “he added.
Sofyan added, the young farmers representatives from each village in Dogiyai could become pioneers as well as agents of change and be able to invite other young village farmers to do the same thing, namely to advance their village agriculture.
Robert M Sianipar from the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN) who attended the event said that Kadin’s role in this activity was one of which was to build the capacity of farmer human resources so that they could develop a wider business. Another role is to help the community in meeting export requirements, submitting BPOM permits and halal certification.
“Farmers must be able to think business, because the business has its calculations so that if there is capital assistance from the government, farmers can record and calculate properly so they can use it appropriately. Kadin’s role is more to increase business knowledge for farmers, “said Robert.
The Head of the Agriculture and Plantation Office of the Dogiyai Regency, Papua, Emmanuel Dogomo, thanked IPB University and Kadin regarding cooperation in developing young farmers in their area.
“We hope, after the debriefing is complete, we can produce products with export quality,” he said. (Dh / RA)
Keyword: IPB University, Rector of IPB, young farmers, millennial farmers
