InfoSAWIT, JAKARTA – The integration of cattle farming with oil palm plantations presents a groundbreaking approach to addressing sustainability challenges while creating synergies between agriculture and livestock sectors. Wahyu Darsono, Manager of PT Simbiosis Karya Agroindustri’s Ranch, highlighted this innovation during the International Webinar: Oil Palm Livestock Integration in South Kalimantan, on Thursday (12/12/2024).

“There is a synergistic benefit in integrating cattle farming with young oil palm plantations. Economically, it promises viability. Socially, it fosters harmony between companies and surrounding communities,” Wahyu stated.

Wahyu emphasized that the replanting process on 6,000 hectares of oil palm plantations is a major undertaking requiring meticulous planning. “Typically, replanting takes over three years to complete successfully. Integrating cattle into young oil palm plantations helps ensure sustainability during this transition period,” he explained.

The initiative also addresses biodiversity concerns, as cattle farming diversifies ecosystems, mitigates monoculture effects, and enhances biodiversity within oil palm plantations. Additionally, cattle feed can be optimized using oil palm byproducts, turning previously unused waste into a valuable resource.

Collaboration and research are key to the program’s success. “Through joint studies in Bogor, we aim to disseminate solutions to challenges ranging from social to economic and legal aspects,” Wahyu noted.

This integration model is expected to enhance productivity and farmer welfare while delivering ecological benefits, such as improving soil quality and reducing carbon emissions. “The next step is proving that this program delivers tangible impacts. We believe it represents the future of sustainable oil palm plantations in Indonesia,” Wahyu concluded. (T2)