PTPN I Develops Integrated Poultry Farming to Support Free Nutritious Meals Programme

PT Perkebunan Nusantara (PTPN) I is developing an integrated layer chicken farm in Bone, South Sulawesi, to support the national egg supply and strengthen fulfilment of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme. PTPN I Corporate Secretary Aris Handoyo stated that the project has entered its initial construction phase following a groundbreaking ceremony in Bone, South Sulawesi. “We have an integrated poultry farming programme in Bone. We have already held the groundbreaking there. The hope is that the eggs produced can help meet the egg requirements for the MBG programme,” Aris said during a media discussion in Jakarta on Monday evening. PTPN I expects the egg production from the farm to be absorbed by the MBG programme to support the public’s need for nutritious food. Aris explained that the production capacity being prepared is quite substantial, with a population reaching thousands of layer hens, although the exact figure is still under further calculation. The poultry business development is part of PTPN I’s business diversification strategy, which is not solely focused on plantation commodities but also the livestock sector. According to Aris, the surplus production of chicken and eggs that often occurs is mostly found on Java, while several other regions still require additional supply. He believes the MBG programme has the potential to increase egg absorption, thereby helping to maintain supply and price balance at the producer level. In executing the project, PTPN I is implementing a partnership model by collaborating with a private company and PT Berdikari, a state-owned enterprise engaged in integrated livestock farming, to leverage the partners’ experience and poultry technology. Through this scheme, PTPN I provides the development land, while the business partners are responsible for running the farm operations and applying modern production technology. Aris considers the partnership model essential because the company is still in the learning and adaptation phase to develop a sustainable and competitive poultry business. Aris added that PTPN I is not only developing an integrated layer chicken farm in Bone but is also preparing a similar project in Lampung to expand production capacity. The development in Lampung will be carried out through the same partnership scheme with PT Berdikari and a private party. “So there are projects in Lampung and in Sulawesi. Both involve Berdikari and a private partner, a three-party collaboration,” he said.