South Kalimantan collaborates with ULM, IPB to develop oil palm plantation

Banjarbaru, S Kalimantan (ANTARA) - The Provincial Government of South Kalimantan is collaborating with the University of Lambung Mangkurat (ULM) and Bogor Agricultural Institute (IPB) to develop the palm oil plantation sector.

Secretary of South Kalimantan Province Roy Rizali Anwar said one of their cooperation was by holding Focus Group Discussion (FGD). 
 
FGD carried the theme Pilot Project Implementation of Performance Assessment Information System and Institutional Strengthening of Oil Palm Supply Chain in Riau, Jambi, and South Kalimantan.

The Secretary appreciated the contribution of ULM and IPB research institution, as well as the funding support from the Palm Oil Plantation Fund Management Agency (BPDPKS) for the last two years.

"Activities like this really support the provincial government's efforts in realizing sustainable palm oil development," he said in Banjarbaru, Tuesday.

He said the provincial government is preparing an action plan for sustainable palm oil development for 2021-2024. Several strategic measures are prepared, from improving human resources to diversifying palm oil plantations with other commodities.

Head of South Kalimantan Plantation and Livestock Agency Suparmi said the technological approach would greatly support the strategic steps in developing sustainable palm oil in 4.0 era.

Hesti Haerani, a ULM researcher added, with a control system that protects farmers, no farmers are ignored.

"The supply chain implementation system ends with the digital chain. Farmers with an account can see price movement and maps of local and regional market forces," she said.

ULM and IPB in carrying out the pilot project for the development of self-help palm oil, she said, will use a technological approach.

The discussion involved representatives of ULM rector, palm oil mill partners (PKS), samples from Tanah Bumbu and Tanah Laut, the palm oil research team, the Indonesian Palm Oil Producers Association (GAPKI), and the Indonesian Palm Oil Farmers Association (Apkasindo).

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