First Demonstration of Bioconversion Fertilizer in Jambi

Jakarta, Induk KUD – As farmers, fertilizing crops has become a cultural practice, so it is not surprising that most farmers face difficulties in managing their land and crops without using fertilizers. Fertilization is a guarantee for successful land cultivation and abundant harvests.

However, the uncontrolled use of inorganic or chemical fertilizers has been found to have systemic impacts on all forms of life, leading to environmental damage, health issues, decreased quality and quantity of harvests, soil degradation, and the elimination of beneficial microorganisms needed for healthy soil.

To mitigate the systemic impacts of uncontrolled use of inorganic or chemical fertilizers, the use of biofertilizers has been introduced. Biofertilizers are concentrated solutions of various types of active microorganisms, including nitrogen-fixing microorganisms, phosphorus solubilizing microorganisms, and organic compound decomposers, which provide the necessary nutrients for plants and improve soil fertility. By enhancing the biological, physical, and chemical conditions of the soil, biofertilizers stimulate the availability of nutrients for plants.

Recognizing the importance of biofertilizers, Induk KUD has partnered with PT. Sinalsal Anugerah Indonesia, a distributor of Bioconversion Liquid Biofertilizer (PHCB), to distribute PHCB. Bioconversion Liquid Biofertilizer (PHCB) is made from living organisms that supply soil nutrients and nourish plants.

This organic fertilizer is produced without any chemical processes or additives, providing natural nutrients required by both the soil and plants. It is particularly suitable for organic farmers or plantations due to its complete composition of organic substances necessary for plants, as well as organic fungicides and insecticides that can prevent diseases and repel pests naturally.

To demonstrate the effectiveness of PHCB, a First Demonstration Plot of Bioconversion Liquid Biofertilizer (PHCB) was conducted in a 11-hectare oil palm plantation in Jambi, in collaboration with Pusat KUD Jambi on 20th September 2019. The aim was to prove the practical application and results of using PHCB in an oil palm plantation.

The First Demonstration Plot was attended by the Chairman of Induk KUD, Herman Y.L. Wutun, the CEO of Induk KUD, Portasius Nggedi, and the Chairman of Pusat KUD Jambi, HS. Djono. During the event, Herman Y.L. Wutun emphasized that this first PHCB demplot is one of Induk KUD’s efforts to facilitate its member farmers in using biofertilizers to enhance their agricultural production.

Herman Wutun further explained that the network between Induk KUD-Pusat KUD-KUD has been mainly limited to distributing subsidized fertilizers, with limited quantities and regional restrictions. The expansion of this network to include biofertilizers can address the problem of providing quality fertilizers for increased production. The success of the PHCB demplot can lead to increased income and purchasing power for farmer members.

For this initial demonstration plot, Pusat KUD Jambi prepared an 11-hectare plot for the use of Bioconversion Liquid Biofertilizer. As a large-scale demonstration, this demonstration plot serves as a national model, rather than just a local initiative. Its success in Jambi will be a guiding example for all KUDs in Indonesia. “If Jambi succeeds, it means Indonesia succeeds. We are determined to succeed in Jambi so that our member farmers in KUDs throughout Indonesia can enjoy the benefits achieved here,” concluded Herman Wutun.

In a separate statement, the CEO of Induk KUD, Portasius Nggedi, announced that after the demplot in Jambi, similar demplots will be conducted in oil palm plantations in Riau and North Sumatra from 23rd to 28th September 2019. “In the initial phase, we will carry out the PHCB demplot in oil palm plantations of our members in Sumatra, and we are also scheduling a demplot in the rice cultivation centers in Bali and NTB,” he added.

As biofertilizers and organic fertilizers become increasingly popular among farmers, due to their ability to maintain environmental quality and soil fertility, Induk KUD’s initiative in providing high-quality fertilizers aims to enhance crop productivity and improve plant resistance to pests. Additionally, it helps to prevent the circulation of fake fertilizers and pesticides. (TAB)