Research Collaboration with Researchers from Wageningen University, Netherlands

The visitation of a Plant Scientist from Wageningen University, Netherlands, Dr. Maja Slingerlan to the Agricultural Faculty, University of Bengkulu was greeted with a joint meeting with many lecturers and researchers from the Faculty of Agriculture, to discuss plans for collaborative research on sustainable oil palm plantations on Wednesday (12/10/2022). Dr. Maja Slingerlan was warmly welcomed by the Chancellor of UNIB, Dr. Retno Agustina Ekaputri, S.E, M.Sc in her office. Then regarding the plan for research collaboration in the oil palm plantations which will be collaborated with FP UNIB lecturers and researchers, the Chancellor also greatly appreciates this and hopes that it can be realized soon so that it can improve the image of international collaborative research for their respective institutions. “In addition, we certainly hope that the results of the discussion and research carried out will later be able to contribute to the community and the Bengkulu Provincial Government in improving the development and management of the oil palm plantation sector. Because we know that palm oil is one of the mainstay commodities in Bengkulu,” said Dr. Retno Agustina. In a collaborative meeting held with the leadership of the UNIB Faculty of Agriculture and relevant Professors and Research Lecturers, Dr. Maja Slingerland explained that she is currently implementing projects related to Sustainable Oil Palm. One of the project activities at this time is in collaboration with PT Agricinal and Start-Up Arconesia to intercropping oil palm with several types of food crops and horticulture. Several scenarios have been developed to improve the sustainability of oil palm plantations, namely by Increasing the yield of oil palm plantations per hectare; Integrating livestock and food crops in oil palm plantations; Adding added value to products from palm oil; and Efforts to reduce new land clearing, especially in peat areas and forest areas that cause deforestation. Hopefully, the research collaboration will soon be implemented in order to accelerate the faculty to welcome the vision of becoming a world-class university.