Lampung, 28 March 2024 – The demonstration plot of Liquid Organic Biofertilizer (LOB) applied to rice fields has shown highly promising results for farmers. By reducing chemical fertilizer usage by 25–50%, farmers were still able to achieve yields of up to 9 tons per hectare, compared to only 6 tons per hectare on control plots.

These results were showcased during the Big Farmers Field Day, organized by PT Inbio Tani Nusantara (ITN) in collaboration with the Lampung Province Agricultural Instrument Standardization Agency (BSIP) at Bumiharjo Village, Batanghari District, East Lampung Regency. The event underscored ITN’s commitment to supporting farmers in improving productivity while reducing dependency on chemical inputs.

Head of the Lampung Agricultural Technology Study Center, Jekvy Hendra, emphasized that LOB aligns with the Ministry of Agriculture’s mission to reduce chemical residues on agricultural land.

“By using LOB, farmers can harvest more abundantly. Normally yields are only 6 tons per hectare, but today’s harvest reached 9 tons with reduced chemical fertilizer use. With rising fertilizer prices and uncertain seasons, LOB offers the best solution for Lampung agriculture,” Jekvy explained.

Stakeholder Support and Collaboration

The joint harvest event was attended by government and community leaders, including:

• Ida Rahmawati, Head of the Food Crops Division, Lampung Province

• Tri Wibowo, Head of East Lampung Food Security Service

• Mira Hayati, Head of Batanghari District

• Local police and military representatives, alongside farmers from South Lampung, Central Lampung, and East Lampung who have already applied LOB on their land.

Representatives from Great Giant Foods (GGF) and PT ITN were also present, including Josep Lay, CEO Protein & Plant Based, Welly Soegiono, Director of External Affairs, and Pardi Tanojo, Head of LOB & Compost Production.

Expressing his support, Tri Wibowo said:

“We truly support the introduction of LOB. We hope the price remains accessible for farmers so that they can prosper and not be underestimated.”

A Product Developed from Experience

In his remarks, Josep Lay highlighted that LOB technology was born out of GGF’s experience as one of the world’s largest pineapple plantations and canning industries.

“LOB has been tested for multiple planting seasons, and results have been very satisfying. At today’s harvest, we saw production increase by 29%. If a product delivers real benefits, we believe it should be shared with farmers to help improve their livelihoods,” said Josep.

Farmers’ Positive Experiences

Farmers across Lampung also shared their experiences with LOB:

• Misrok from Sekampung Village said LOB increased yields while reducing pesticide use.

• Imam from Batanghari Village has used LOB since 2019, gradually reducing his reliance on chemical fertilizers.

• Dharmaya from South Lampung has applied LOB since 2016 and continues to use it due to consistent yield improvements.

With these positive outcomes, LOB is proving to be a revolutionary solution in rice farming, combining higher productivity with reduced chemical inputs—bringing hope for a more sustainable and prosperous future for farmers.