InfoSAWIT, CENTRAL KALIMANTAN – The concept of palm oil-cattle integration is increasingly receiving full government backing. Director General of Livestock and Animal Health (PKH), Agung Suganda, asserted that this scheme is a smart solution for increasing plantation productivity while simultaneously improving the welfare of ranchers.

One tangible example is found at Sulung Ranch in Central Kalimantan, owned by the Citra Borneo Indah (CBI) Group. Haji Rasyid, the owner of CBI, noted that palm oil-cattle integration not only offers dual benefits but also provides a "bonus" in the form of free organic fertilizer from cow manure that directly enriches the palm trees.

Sulung Ranch has been developing palm oil-cattle integration since 2008, making it one of the pioneers in Indonesia. On this land, various types of cattle, including Bali, Brahman, Limousin, Brangus, and Simmental, are allowed to graze under the palm canopy. The maintenance system is simple yet effective: cattle are rotationally grazed every two months, relying on natural grasses around the plantation.

"The grass growing under the palm trees is sufficient to meet their feed needs. We only utilize existing resources without additional feed. With the rotational system, the land is maintained, and the cows remain healthy," said H. Rasyid, as quoted by InfoSAWIT from the Directorate General of PKH's Instagram on Saturday (10/4/2025).

Furthermore, simple infrastructure, such as solar-powered electric wire fences, is used to manage the cattle's movement in the grazing areas. This method ensures efficiency without adding significant cost burdens.

This integration model is expected to be expanded to various other regions in Indonesia. In addition to being environmentally friendly and efficient, the palm oil-cattle system has proven to provide added economic value, ranging from meat and organic fertilizer to plantation sustainability. (T2)