The Spirit of PSP3 IPB University Reaches 20 Percent of Districts in Indonesia to Implement SPR

The Center for Agricultural and Rural Development Studies (PSP3) IPB University signed a cooperation agreement with Yayasan Karya Bhakti Bumi Indonesia (YKBBI) and Solidaritas Alumni Sekolah Peternakan Rakyat Indonesia (SASPRI). This collaboration is one of the strategic steps in accelerating the development of People’s Animal Husbandry Schools (SPR) towards 20 percent of districts throughout Indonesia

Prof Muladno as the Head of PSP3 IPB University as well as the initiator of SPR said that the signing of this collaboration is expected to be the first step for the head of local government in strengthening his region to form SPR. The reason is, YKBBI is the main partner of the Association of Islands and Coastal Governments throughout Indonesia (Aspeksindo) in the implementation of the integrated farming system.

“The growth of SPR in districts that are members of YKBBI is expected to be able to change the mindset of farmers, ranchers and fishermen to be able to produce better. Farmers, ranchers and fishermen with a professional mindset, an independent mindset and a collective business in the congregation,” said Prof. Muladno.

Through the MoU, he continued, it is hoped that collaboration between the government and academics will be able to invite all parties to build sociopreneurs in order to strengthen farmers, ranchers and fishermen.

Dr Himmatul Hasanah as an activist and driving force of the YKBBI organization said, with SASPRI, farmers, ranchers and fishermen who had not been able to speak out before would get a place to voice their hopes.

“This step is none other than so that agriculture, animal husbandry and fishermen in Indonesia can be managed to be better and prosperous,” she said.

She said, Sukabumi Regency would be used as an example of the formation of SPR-SASPRI in archipelagic and coastal districts throughout Indonesia based on the collaboration of PSP3 IPB University and YKBBI. After that, followed several other districts such as Karawang, Bandung, Lebak, Sinjai, Malang and Batubara.

“PSP3 IPB University is expected to recommend other districts to build SPR in the advanced stage,” added Dr Himmatul Hasanah.

In addition, there will be a session for PSP3 IPB University for presentations on SPR-SASPRI and soon there will be follow-up steps in the form of a Letter of Intent (LOI).

Dr Bramada Winiar Putra as Head of Field Station SPR National SASPRI management welcomed this step. According to him, support from local government leaders, especially in archipelagic and coastal areas, will increase SPR and SASPRI established in Indonesia.

“This will increase the strength and position of smallholder farmers which can also be adopted for community agriculture, community fisheries and smallholder fishermen. The national food market will be stronger so that it can support the realization of Indonesia’s food sovereignty,” said the Head of the PSP3 IPB University Mutual Cooperation People’s Livestock Breeding Business System Program.

He further elaborated, with the more establishment of SPR-SASPRI in Indonesia, the welfare of farmers, ranchers and fishermen will be better, so that it can become a resilient economic sector of Indonesia.

“That way, it will attract young energy to enter and be involved in agriculture, animal husbandry and fishermen so that the sustainability of Indonesia’s food sovereignty will be realized as a real embodiment of the realization of Indonesia’s sustainable development goals (SDGs),” he concluded. (*/Rz) (IAAS/ANF)