Agriculture in developing countries like Indonesia will play an important role in preventing food shortage and producing raw materials for industrial purposes. On one hand, animal products are essential for the development of human resources, while on the other, increasing human population significantly increases the demand for meat, milk and eggs. The annual increase in national livestock production in Indonesia is projected to contribute significantly to the gross domestic product. This should be matched with a higher growth factor for meat, taking into consideration the inevitable price changes.
In the traditional farming systems, livestock production is an income generating activity, providing a type of insurance to landless farm labourers, in order to cope with emergencies, large expenses and social commitments. In Indonesia, livestock production is a labour intensive enterprise. Smallholders raise almost 90% of the animals in the country. In order to achieve sustainable production systems, it is essential to implement proper management practices including genetic improvement, feeding and nutrition, and disease control, to ensure the achievement of optimal production levels. In particular, under intensive production systems, the role of genetics, nutrition and disease control are incomplete unless due consideration is given to economical benefits. The task ahead therefore, is to develop appropriate means for the implementation of technologies that are technically feasible, economically viable, socially acceptable and environmentally sound.
In years to come, Indonesia will face major challenges in coping with various pressures, including population explosion, global influences and transformation of economic structure. The World Trade Organization (WTO) is an example of the pressures of globalization that need careful attention. Changes in global information systems, communication and economic integration will make it essential to enforce regional co-operation. This will need fundamental changes in investment policies, production, consumption, commerce and transportation. Co-operative measures should be taken into account in order to reduce the heavy burden in meeting the demand for meat, milk and eggs in the future. Increased competitive ability in livestock production for local export market would provide better opportunities for development.
In order to assist Indonesia in facing the challenges faced by the livestock sector, FAO commissioned a review to assess the potentials, constraints, capacities, policy issues, strategies and options affecting the industry in the country. The review also includes backward and forward linkages of livestock production, in particular, on feed and feeding technologies, livestock product processing, and trade matters. This publication reports on the findings of the above-mentioned review, focussing on the following key areas:
The review is expected to stimulate the development of alternative strategies for development of the livestock industry. It is hoped that the review will bring about new perspectives regarding the livestock industry to policy and decision makers.
Your comments for improvement of this review are welcome.
Prem Nath
Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific
