IPB University Vocational School and PT Bogor Kopi Indonesia Transfer Technology to Coffee Farmers in Bogor Regency

The Vocational School (SV) of IPB University together with PT Bogor Kopi Indonesia conducted coffee agribusiness technology transfer on partner farmers’ land in Cariu and Tanjung Sari Districts, Bogor Regency, West Java. The activities carried out were in the form of propagation of rooted cuttings and processing of coffee skin waste.

“This activity is expected to help partner farmers of PT Bogor Kopi Indonesia to increase coffee productivity and also anticipate the processing of waste into fertiliser. After being taught directly by experts from SV IPB University lecturers, the farmers will be able to do it themselves,” said Director of PT Bogor Kopi Indonesia, Galih Maulana, SE.

Kedaireka’s Matching Fund Team Leader, Dr Doni Sahat Tua Manalu, said that this activity reflects the spirit of collaboration between vocational universities and business and industry (DUDI) partners. In an effort to realise regional economic independence, this programme is expected to improve the economy in Cariu, Tanjungsari and surrounding areas.

“The collaboration between lecturers of SV IPB University and PT Bogor Kopi Indonesia in the Kadeireka Matching Fund activity is a clear example of how the world of academia and industry can work together to encourage the progress of the coffee agribusiness sector in Indonesia, especially in the Bogor Regency area,” explained the lecturer of the Agribusiness Management Study Programme (Prodi) of SV IPB University.

Through technology transfer, he continued, direct assistance to coffee farmers and more efficient farming techniques are expected to increase productivity and better crop quality. Thus, quantity, quality and continuity can be realised as expected.

This activity was appreciated by Serka Endin Syarifudin as Bintara Pembina Desa (Babinsa) of the Cariu Military Rayon Command (Koramil). “We are very happy and honoured by the presence of lecturers and students from SV IPB University. Hopefully this activity can run smoothly and continuously, because coffee farmers in Bogor Regency really need attention from academics to help the community in applying the technology and knowledge they have,” he said.

Similarly, Dr Veralianta Br Sebayang, lecturer of Agribusiness Management Study Program of SV IPB University as a team member stated, this activity is one of the real contributions made by SV IPB University in order to advance agriculture and also ignite the spirit of collaboration between vocational universities, DUDI partners and related stakeholders.

During the activity, Hidayati Fatchur Rochmah SP, MSi, an expert in coffee plant cultivation at SV IPB University said that one of the important aspects that will be emphasised to increase productivity in coffee plants is the provision of quality seeds. It is considered a key element is the application of seedlings resulting from the propagation of rooted cuttings to produce high-quality seedlings.

“The farmers will gain in-depth knowledge and skills on best practices in rooted cuttings propagation, which will directly contribute to increasing the productivity and quality of the farmers’ crops,” said the lecturer of Plantation Production Technology and Management Study Programme at SV IPB University.

Furthermore, farmers were also taught about making compost fertiliser using coffee bean skin waste. According to Merry Gloria Meliala, SP, MSi, this approach has a double impact, reducing environmental waste and producing organic fertiliser that is useful for plant growth.

“This technology transfer activity is expected to provide a new perspective to farmers in managing natural resources more wisely and sustainably,” said Merry, who is also a lecturer in the Plantation Production Technology and Management Study Programme of SV IPB University.

“The enthusiasm of the participants can be seen from their enthusiasm during the explanation of the material and also the practice of making rooted cuttings and processing coffee waste, as well as the questions and answers that took place between farmers and lecturers and students who attended,” said Dr Edi Wiraguna, lecturer in Plantation Production Technology and Management of SV IPB University who was also present as a member of the proposing team. (*/Rz) (IAAS/RUM)