Key Takeaways:
- Karya Harapan Mukti Village in Bungo Regency has initiated a digitalization program for the palm oil industry.
- The program, which is being developed in collaboration with tech startup SawitPRO, aims to enhance palm oil farmers’ productivity and support MSMEs.
- The “Digital Village” initiative includes using the Petani SawitPRO app to manage farming needs and access information.
- Digital tools such as the Dokter Sawitina robot service and the Toko Sawit online store are integral to the program.
- The initiative seeks to make palm oil farming more efficient and prosperous, positioning the village as a pioneer in digital transformation.
Adaptation is often slower than innovation in the rapidly evolving world of technology. This challenge is particularly evident in the palm oil industry, where technological advancements have been made, but implementation has lagged. Karya Harapan Mukti Village in Pelepat Ilir Subdistrict, Bungo Regency, is addressing this gap through the “Digital Village” program, aiming to bring digital solutions to smallholder palm oil plantations.
Initiating Digital Transformation In The Palm Oil Industry
The “Digital Village” program, developed in collaboration with SawitPRO, a tech startup focused on the palm oil industry, seeks to improve the production and welfare of palm oil farmers and support the cooperative and MSME sectors that are integral to the village economy.
Iwan Hermawan, the Village Head of Karya Harapan Mukti, expressed his optimism about the program, stating, “Our dream is for grocery stores and farmers’ needs to be accessible through an app, making it easier for farmers to obtain these necessities.” He emphasized that the initiative addresses managerial needs and provides education to enhance farmers’ knowledge about palm oil cultivation.
Leveraging Technology
SawitPRO’s involvement brings advanced digital tools to the village. The Petani SawitPRO app is central to the initiative, enabling farmers to manage their operations more effectively. “Farmers no longer need to ask the cooperative about prices; they just need to check the app,” explained Riswanto, Chairman of the Karya Mukti Village Cooperative Unit (KUD). This convenience is expected to increase efficiency and productivity.
SawitPRO’s CEO, Abhishek Singh, highlighted the company’s commitment to the Indonesian palm oil industry. “SawitPRO is a medium to increase farmers’ productivity and welfare,” he stated. The company aims to prosper palm oil farmers by providing tools that facilitate better farming practices and access to essential resources.
Key Features of the Digital Village Program
Petani SawitPRO App: This app allows farmers to access information on fertilizer dosages tailored to their land’s needs and to keep records of harvests and maintenance activities.
Dokter Sawitina Robot Service: Available 24/7, this service answers questions about palm oil cultivation, enhancing farmers’ knowledge and decision-making capabilities.
Toko Sawit Online Store: This platform enables farmers to purchase production inputs and other necessities online, ensuring they have easy access to essential supplies.
Benefits and Future Prospects
The digitalization of Karya Harapan Mukti Village is expected to bring numerous benefits. Farmers can enjoy greater convenience and potentially lower costs by using the cooperative’s resources and MSMEs. The cooperative model ensures that the benefits of digitalization are shared among members, fostering a sense of community and mutual support.
“We believe that digitalization truly benefits farmers,” said Riswanto. The program aims to make the village a leader in digital transformation within the palm oil industry, setting an example for other regions to follow.
Image provided by SAWITPRO
