Undana eyes Rp720 billion investment in modern livestock farming in NTT

Kupang – Nusa Cendana University (Undana) Kupang is pursuing a strategic collaboration with the private sector to develop an integrated modern livestock and agriculture ecosystem in Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT) valued at USD 45 million, or around Rp720 billion. Rector Prof. Jefri S. Bale of Undana, in Kupang on Thursday, said the collaboration will focus on development through technology-based livestock farming from upstream to downstream in Kefamenanu, North Timor Tengah Regency (TTU). ‘This investment plan aligns with Undana’s strengths in island dryland farming and feed based on local resources,’ he said. He added that the collaboration would serve as a crucial bridge for the downstreaming of campus research so that innovations produced by lecturers and students can be implemented at an industrial scale. The modern livestock development project is scheduled to begin with a groundbreaking phase this year, with small-scale production targeted to begin in 2028 and full industrial capacity by 2034. Joseph Karimi, CEO of PT Amana Bina Petani Ayub (Joseph), said the company is preparing long-term investment on land spanning 3,000 hectares to build a milk processing facility, a modern abattoir, and a livestock and fish feed plant. ‘Our concept is not merely a large-scale industry, but also a partnership model. We provide breeding stock and training, then buy back the farmers’ livestock yields to be processed at the company’s packing centre,’ he said. According to Joseph, the partnership model with local farmers is expected to create a sustainable industrial ecosystem while improving community welfare. In the collaboration, Undana will serve as a research partner, in human resource development, and in innovations in dryland agricultural technology. PT ABP also commits to involving Undana students in internships with international experts and opening overseas scholarship opportunities for high-achieving students.