In the bustling peri-urban fringes of Jakarta, a unique agricultural sector is taking flight—literally. Duck farming, particularly layer ducks, is proving to be a resilient and profitable venture amidst the city’s rapid expansion. A recent study published in *Cogent Food & Agriculture* (which translates to *Thoughtful Food & Agriculture*) sheds light on the economic viability and sustainability of this burgeoning industry, offering insights that could reshape agricultural practices in urbanizing areas.
Led by Dwi Priyanto from the Research Center for Behavioral and Circular Economics at the National Research and Innovation Agency in Jakarta, the study employs a mixed-methods approach to assess the current state of duck farming. Through interviews, focus group discussions, and on-site observations, Priyanto and his team paint a vivid picture of the challenges and opportunities that define this sector.
The findings are striking. Duck farming emerges as a cornerstone of household income, contributing a substantial 78.37% to total earnings. The average annual profit per farmer reaches IDR 57,164,374, with a return-to-capital (R/C) ratio of 1.43. Medium-scale farms, housing between 500 to 1000 ducks, stand out as the most cost-efficient and profitable, boasting an R/C ratio of 1.81. This significantly outperforms small-scale (1.33) and large-scale (1.30) operations, highlighting the sweet spot for profitability in this sector.
However, the path is not without its hurdles. Land limitations, fluctuating feed supply, and suboptimal productivity—currently at 56.99% hen-day production—pose significant constraints. “These challenges are not insurmountable,” Priyanto asserts. “With the right strategies and collaborations, we can enhance productivity and sustainability.”
The study introduces the Core-Plasma Partnership Model, a framework designed to foster collaboration among farmers, businesses, government, and academia. Supported by a Quadruple Helix framework, this model aims to improve profitability, strengthen farmer organizations, and enhance food security while promoting environmentally sustainable practices.
The implications of this research extend beyond Jakarta. As urbanization continues to encroach upon agricultural lands, the lessons learned from Jakarta’s duck farming sector could serve as a blueprint for sustainable agribusiness in other peri-urban areas. The Core-Plasma Partnership Model, in particular, offers a scalable approach to integrating various stakeholders, ensuring that economic growth aligns with environmental stewardship.
Priyanto’s work underscores the importance of adaptability and innovation in agriculture. “The future of farming lies in our ability to integrate technology, policy, and community efforts,” he notes. “By doing so, we can create resilient agricultural systems that support both economic and environmental sustainability.”
As the world grapples with the challenges of urbanization and food security, the insights from this study provide a beacon of hope. The duck farming sector in Jakarta is not just about eggs; it’s about building a sustainable future, one farm at a time. With the Core-Plasma Partnership Model and the Quadruple Helix framework, the stage is set for a new era of agricultural innovation and collaboration.