IPB University is offering biointensive technology as an agricultural solution to address the impact of the crisis in the Middle East, which has triggered a global rise in fuel prices and affected the agricultural sector.
The Chairman of the Center for Agricultural and Rural Development Studies (PSP3) at IPB University, Dr Ivanovic Agusta, made this statement during the press conference titled “Adaptation of Indonesian Farmers to the Impacts of the War in the Middle East” in Bogor on Thursday (4/2).
According to him, the volatility in energy prices caused by global conflicts presents an opportunity to drive more efficient and sustainable agricultural innovation.
On that occasion, Prof Suryo Wiyono, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at IPB University, explained that global conflicts have a direct impact on global fertilizer production and logistics. He noted that the Gulf region produces approximately 40 percent of the world’s nitrogen fertilizers, so disruptions in the supply of natural gas (LNG) the primary raw material have the potential to hinder fertilizer production.
“Indonesia still relies on imported raw materials. About 42,89 percent of phosphorus fertilizer raw materials come from Europe and Arab countries, which are currently facing security risks and surging shipping insurance costs,” he said.
Additionally, the conflict is also impacting a decline in agricultural product exports. The United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia have long been the second and third-largest export markets for Indonesian fruits such as bananas, mangoes, and mangosteens after China
Farmers are directly feeling the ripple effects through surging prices of agricultural inputs. Global nitrogen fertilizer prices have risen by 32,4 percent, while pesticide prices are projected to increase by 20–30 percent due to the energy crisis and rising logistics costs.
Rising fuel prices are also driving up production costs, particularly for transportation and the operation of agricultural machinery, which ultimately leads to a decline in farmers’ profits.
“In response, IPB University is offering adaptation strategies through the implementation of biointensive technology. This approach includes biointensive rice cultivation, which can reduce the use of commercial fertilizers by up to 30 percent and pesticides by up to 70 percent without lowering crop yields,” explained Prof Suryo.
Additionally, he continued, farmers are encouraged to adopt ecological farming by utilizing natural fertilizers and pesticides, as well as enhancing soil organic matter to improve water and energy efficiency. Diversification into renewable energy sources such as biogas, solar panels, biomass, and wind energy is also recommended to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Strengthening the community economy is another step proposed, through the development of forums for environmentally friendly technological innovation and the strengthening of local markets and home based businesses.
Advantages of the Biointensive System
Prof Suryo explained that the biointensive system offers several advantages, including efficient use of inputs, an ecology based approach utilizing soil microorganisms, resilience to environmental stress, and sustainability with a low carbon footprint. Additionally, this system relies on local raw materials, with a domestic content level (TKDN) approaching 100 percent.
Conceptually, the biointensive system emphasizes the interconnection between healthy soil, microbes (endophytes, PGPR, antagonists), and stress-tolerant plants, leading to sustainable and stable productivity. In practice, it is integrated through crop rotation, intercropping, green manure, and organic systems.
“For rice, the application of biointensive technology has shown a 24 percent increase in productivity, a roughly 20 percent reduction in production costs, a 30 percent reduction in fertilizer use, and a 77 percent reduction in pesticide use,” explained Prof Suryo.
Test results in several regions such as Karawang, Subang, Indramayu, Tegal, and Bojonegoro also indicate that biointensive methods yield higher productivity compared to conventional methods.
“Given these various advantages, we believe biointensive technology can serve as a strategic solution for maintaining national food security amid the pressures of the global crisis,” he emphasized. (dh) (IAAS/LAN)