IPB University Strengthens Collaboration to Improve the Quality of Indonesian Dairy Farmers through USIDP Program
IPB University collaborates with the United States Dairy Export Council (USDEC) and the New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA), United States to strengthen the partnership in the Indonesia Dairy Farmer Partnership (USIDP), an educational program for Indonesian dairy farmers.
The signing of a memorandum of understanding for the cooperation program between IPB University, USDEC, and NMDA was carried out in a series of Kick Off USIDP Education Program events and the National Seminar “Indonesian Dairy Farming Scale Up Strategy”, at the IPB International Convention Center, on Tuesday (7/1).
This collaboration is a follow-up to USDEC’s meeting with the Directorate General of Livestock and Animal Health (DG PKH) of the Ministry of Agriculture. The meeting supported USDEC’s plan to improve the skills of smallholder farmers in Indonesia to support the government’s efforts to increase the dairy cattle population as well as the quality and volume of milk production.
“The collaboration between IPB University, USDEC, and NMDA as well as various dairy industry parties in Indonesia will produce an effective capacity building program for dairy farmers in various regions in Indonesia,” said IPB University Rector, Prof Arif Satria.
“It is hoped that (this collaboration) will contribute to supporting government programs, including the Free Nutritious Meal program,” he added.
Dr Vivi Yulaswati, Deputy for Maritime Affairs and Natural Resources, Ministry of National Development Planning/Bappenas, emphasized that one of the national priorities is to strengthen the national security defense system. In addition, it also encourages national independence through food self-sufficiency.
This, she said, can be achieved through increasing meat and milk production, as well as controlling animal diseases and food safety.
“Increasing the capacity of human resources (HR) and breeder institutions is very important in the development of Indonesian livestock, among others, because the main livestock owners are small-scale breeders,” she said.
Dr Vivi continued, to face the challenge of increasing sustainable productivity, the adoption of modern technology and extension services including training and education are needed.
“This event is very important to produce recommendations that can be applied in increasing the capacity of Indonesian livestock human resources,” she said.
Representing the Director General of Livestock and Animal Health of the Ministry of Agriculture, drh Imron Suandy as Director of Animal Health, expressed his support and appreciation for this educational program.
Meanwhile, Jonathan Gardner, Senior Vice President of Market Access and Regulatory Affairs at USDEC, said that the USIDP program is ready to assist Indonesia in increasing the capacity of farmers through various training programs, including digital platforms.
This seminar also presented expert speakers in the field of dairy cattle and dairy, and involved stakeholders representing several elements such as academics, central and regional governments, dairy business players, dairy farmers, and professional associations. (*/Lp) (IAAS/RUM)
