Realising Fruit Orchard, IPB University Planted Avocado and Longan in IPB Jonggol Garden
In order to realise the fruit orchard, IPB University conducted the first planting of avocado and longan plants. This first planting was carried out at the IPB Jonggol Garden, Bogor (30/11).
Chairman of the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture (Faperta) IPB University, Prof Edi Santosa said in the Jonggol garden will be planted avocado variety siger ratu puan covering 3 hectares with a total of 200 trees. In addition, the longan variety itoh will also be planted on an area of 3 hectares.
“I hope that over the next three years, longan and avocado plants can grow fresh and produce fruit. This planting is not only aimed at supporting activities in Jonggol garden, but it is also hoped that with the help of technology from IPB University, the trees will become strong, have large trunks and sturdy roots,” he explained.
Dean of Faperta IPB University, Prof Suryo Wiyono revealed that this planting was directed to support learning, practicum and research activities related to avocado and longan plants. Through this planting, various aspects from production to post-harvest can be explored. The selection of longan and avocado is based on their fast production capability.
“The main focus is to understand how to sustain these fruits in order to achieve optimal production quickly. Hopefully, avocado and longan planting can expand, fulfil economic aspects and become a profitable investment in the future,” he said.
On the same occasion, the Chief of the Horticulture Division of the Food Crops and Horticulture Service of West Java Province, Ir Wardini Mulatsari, hoped that this garden could become an interesting agro-tourism concept to be enjoyed by West Java residents.
“By becoming an agro-tourism destination, Jonggol garden is expected to achieve optimal productivity, producing a variety of alluring fruits. With the increasing amount of fruit production in the future, this garden can make a significant positive contribution,” he said.
Meanwhile, Rector of IPB University, Prof Arif Satria congratulated the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture for building the orchard as a place to develop fruits and transform Jonggol into an advanced orchard.
“This place will be a centre for practicum, research, tourist destinations and learning for farmers. We are committed to building accessibility at this location, making Jonggol an orchard capable of producing various types of fruits,” he said.
Prof Arif also hopes that Jonggol garden will become a place for IPB University alumni to take part in facing challenges in the fruit sector. According to him, this place will also become a modern agricultural learning laboratory at IPB University and remodel Jonggol into a superior destination.
“I believe that big problems can become opportunities to create something extraordinary. The whole farm is geared towards becoming a sustainable source of income,” he says.
“We plan to produce a variety of seeds, creating clusters of longan, avocado, durian, mangosteen and other fruit varieties. With 116 seed varieties at IPB university, if 50 per cent of them are planted here, it is already a very good achievement,” concluded Prof Arif. (IAAS/RUM)
