The addition of plantation production, through improved technology is more likely to benefit, rather than breaking new ground. In addition to the economic value increases, also reducing the environmental damage caused by land use change. This was stated by the representatives of the Climate Policy Initiative (CPI) and the University of Palangkaraya, in Jakarta, Monday (07/01/2013).
“By way of intensification, through improved technology, the plantation can produce more. In contrast to the way extension is also raising production, but tends to destroy the environment because it needs to open up more land,” said Jane Wilkinson, from the CPI.
To prove this, the CPI will try to cooperate with the University of Palangkaraya, in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia. Forms of cooperation will take the form of joint research that will bring forth recommendations to the local government of Central Kalimantan.
“Especially for oil palm plantations, which caused much deforestation. We will try to open oil palm plantations on degraded land, and proved with good technology it does not need a lot of woods that must be eliminated, “added Jane.
Yusurum Jagau, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Palangkaraya to address the possibility of cooperation expressed optimism about the birth of the new recommendations, in accordance with the needs of the local government of Central Kalimantan. Where expectations of economic improvement through the production of high estate, and still be able to preserve natural resources.
He added, there are three objectives of the partnership. The first occurrence of an increase in productivity without opening a new area. Secondly if necessary to open a new area, can use the critical and degradation land. The third occurrence of both capacity building and human resources, of the activity.
In addition to opening a cooperative research and practice, the CPI and the University of Palangkaraya plan to looking for recommendations for the development of medium and small plantations in Central Kalimantan. According to the exposure, development of medium and small businesses can be achieved with through rural credit programs.
For the first phase, the partnership program will be funded by a grant of U.S. $ 1.6 million from the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad), for three years. The program is expected to support the government’s vision of green Central Kalimantan achieve strong growth, which is supported by the palm oil sector, which provides high yields with low environmental impact.
Green Disease 