Perception on Integration of Food Crops and Livestock in Oil Palm Plantation to Reach Bioindustrial Agriculture Model: Case in North Sumatra Provinsi, Indonesia

Abstract

Integration of food crops (paddy, soybean, peanut, sweet potatoes) and livestock (beef cattle, sheep, goats) in oil palm plantation in Tanjung Jati Plantation Area, in Langkat District, North Sumatra has shown the model of bio industrial agriculture. Research aimed to explore the perception on crop-livestock system as a Bio-industrial Agriculture Model, which was seen from social, economic, ecological and institutional aspects to support sustainable management of biological resources. Study was conducted from 2013 to 2015 with primary data collection through observation, involvement with the community, FGD and in-depth interviews with innovators or adopters. Secondary data used the results from previous research. Data were analysed descriptively using Microsoft Excel and for the gap in the sustainability of integrated agriculture towards bio-industrial agriculture was calculated using set and category theory. Results showed that based on social, economic, ecology, and institutional aspects, the total final values for crops integrated and livestock integrated, respectively, were 3.83 and 3.75 (of the ideal value of 5.00). Therefore, it requires filling the gap of 22.23% and 25%, respectively, by improving the management of integration and involving more participation from communities. It is suggested that integration system should provide three functions, namely increasing income, encouraging rural economic growth as well as strengthening and maintaining environmental sustainability