PORTALJABAR, DISTRICT. GARUT - On the second day of the visit to Garut Regency, the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment of the Republic of Indonesia (Kemenko Marves RI) carried out monitoring and checking locations for the development of integrated agricultural areas.

This activity focuses on the Sumadra region, Pananjung Village, Pamulihan District, as well as the South Garut Breeders Cooperative (KPGS) in Cikandang Village, Cikajang District, Garut Regency, Friday (7/6/2024).

Head of the Garut Regency Fisheries and Livestock Service (Diskannak) Beni Yoga Gunasantika revealed that before the Foot and Mouth Disease (PMK) and Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) pandemic, the dairy cow population in Garut Regency reached 15 to 16 thousand heads.

However, due to the pandemic, the dairy cow population experienced a drastic decline of up to 30%, leaving less than 11 thousand heads. The impact is significant on the economy, especially for dairy farmers.

Beni also highlighted the decline in milk productivity. Before the pandemic, the average milk production per cow reached 18-20 liters per day, but now it is only around 8-10 liters per day.

"Under conditions like that, breeders cannot get large benefits," he said.

Diskannak Garut has coordinated with cooperatives to overcome various problems in the field, including the provision of green fodder, cage conditions, sanitation and infrastructure. Discussions with the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries were also held to determine steps to restore dairy farming in Garut Regency.

"Hopefully we can solve the farmers' complaints in a gradual and structured manner," he said.

Assistant Deputy for Regional Development Infrastructure (Asdep IPW) at the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Djoko Hartoyo, explained that the central government has a national program in the livestock sector through the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs (Kemenko Ekon).

The Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries will oversee the implementation of Presidential Regulation (Perpres) Number 87 of 2021 concerning the Acceleration of Development of the Rebana Area and the Southern Part of West Java.

Djoko stated that his party was identifying steps to be taken in the next five years, including managing communal cowsheds which are currently located close to residential areas. One plan is to move the pen to PTPN 8 land, a small portion of which is currently used for planting grass for animal feed.

"And maybe later we at the center will support that it already exists, there hasn't been a deal yet but there is already talk of moving it to PTPN 8 land, a small portion of which is currently being used to plant grass for cattle feed," he said.