#StrawberryFarming #AgriculturalInnovation #IndonesiaAgriculture #JapanesePartnership #PremiumVarieties #SustainableFarming
In the heart of Indonesia’s Monsoon region, the strawberry cultivation landscape is undergoing a revolutionary change, thanks to the collaborative efforts of Ichigo Plant Factory Unpad and Japanese partners. Regina Hindersah, the coordinator of Ichigo Plant Factory Unpad, sheds light on the journey of cultivating premium strawberry varieties with cutting-edge technologies and local expertise.
The cultivation process takes place in specially built greenhouses, a joint initiative of Unpad, Start Up Japan Premium Vegetable (JPV), and Japan International Research Centre for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS). These greenhouses, equipped with state-of-the-art IoT-based technology following JPV standards, ensure optimal strawberry growth during the unique Monsoon climate. Notably, Unpad researchers have tailored hydroponic cultivation using locally researched growing media and nutrient solutions.
Regina emphasizes the commitment to domestic resources, stating, “Commercialization processes don’t entirely rely on external technologies; our growing media and nutrients are sourced locally.” With slight modifications, Unpad’s growing media and nutrient solutions prove to be compatible with Japanese strawberry cultivation techniques. The collaborative learning process with Japanese technology aims to cultivate strawberries renowned for their sweetness and fragrance in the Monsoon region.
Regina acknowledges the regular visits from Japanese equipment suppliers to ensure the greenhouse technology operates seamlessly. Technical aspects such as electrical systems and IoT are currently overseen by Japanese experts under the coordination of Mr. Kenji Endo, CEO of JPV.
Despite the advancements, challenges persist, notably in the stability of electricity and water quality. Unpad addresses these challenges by providing generators and regularly analyzing and filtering the water quality.
The strawberry varieties developed at Unpad are of premium quality, attracting interest from Japanese directors and entrepreneurs. Regina encourages national entrepreneurs to explore the market for premium strawberries, noting the potential despite the higher market prices.
The collaboration on premium strawberry development is set to conclude in April 2024. While successful cultivation has been achieved, the final results will be reported in April 2024, with ongoing research into premium strawberries.
Looking ahead, JPV has expressed interest in extending the collaboration beyond 2024. Unpad’s strawberry program aims to partner with the renowned Kinouchi Farm in Japan, facilitated by the Ministry of Agriculture Indonesia and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The focus will be on expanding strawberry cultivation in Garut Regency, incorporating tissue culture seedlings in open fields and conventional greenhouses. Initial cultivation will involve Japanese seedlings, transitioning to Indonesian seedlings in subsequent phases.
The collaboration between Unpad and Japanese partners represents a significant stride in elevating strawberry cultivation in Indonesia. With the promise of premium varieties, advanced technologies, and a commitment to sustainable practices, the venture not only addresses local market demands but also opens doors for international partnerships and innovations in agricultural practices.
