InfoSAWIT, JAKARTA – Investment in research and development (R&D) is increasingly viewed as a cornerstone for achieving long-term success in the palm oil plantation industry. Professor Agus Pakpahan, Rector of Ikopin University and Chairman of the Indonesian Plantation Farmers Association (Gapperindo), emphasized the critical role of R&D in enhancing both productivity and sustainability in Indonesia's palm oil sector.
As the world’s largest producer and cultivator of palm oil, Indonesia boasts over a century of experience in managing plantations. However, a pressing question remains: how significant is the investment in R&D, particularly regarding the "biological engine" crucial to palm oil productivity, such as the pollinating insect Elaeidobius kamerunicus?
Professor Agus argued that improving palm oil productivity should not rely on importing insects from abroad. Instead, the solution lies in bolstering R&D in palm oil biotechnology. Only through focused and in-depth research, he asserted, can Indonesia obtain precise insights into how Elaeidobius kamerunicus influences palm oil yields.
“Productivity is determined by numerous variables, and pollinating insects are merely one of the key factors. Even if we import Elaeidobius kamerunicus, productivity may not improve if other elements, such as the proper use of insecticides, are not carefully managed,” he explained to InfoSAWIT recently.
Professor Agus proposed an intriguing hypothesis: Indonesia's rich biodiversity could offer untapped solutions. He suggested that instead of rushing to import foreign species of Elaeidobius, deeper research should be conducted to explore domestic alternatives. There may be superior solutions within Indonesia’s ecosystems that could be more effective and sustainable.
Investing in R&D infrastructure and fostering collaboration between universities, research institutions, and the palm oil industry is vital. This approach would not only enhance productivity but also position Indonesia as a global leader in palm oil research and innovation. (T2)
For a comprehensive discussion, read the September 2024 edition of InfoSAWIT.
