Innovation

According to Kukuh Roxa Putra Hadriyono, the Chief Operating Officer of the Pandaw Group, agricultural business has a lot of challenges. First, from a human resources perspective there is a lack of qualified people from upstream to downstream. Second, government and businesses’ experts in agriculture tend to take agricultural matters for granted due to the abundance of natural resources in Indonesia. That makes them slow to improve themselves, utilize new technology, and create the regulations needed to support the sector.

Third, society has a low mindset about the world of agriculture. In fact that can be calculated by how many foreign players are involved in Indonesian agriculture. The large number proves that foreign parties see Indonesia as a superior location to farm and market agricultural products though many local business people do not. Kukuh and his colleagues see a unique business opportunity to help Indonesia deal with these challenges.

Weeds alone reduce agricultural output by 30%. The proper use of pesticides and herbicides can significantly increase production and provide economic benefits. Kukuh’s company produces these products from organic and non-toxic chemicals that protect the environment while helping farmers increase their revenue.

Inspiration

Kukuh, a Bogor Agricultural University (IPB) graduate, choose a path that is completely different from most other young people. He chose to go into agriculture business, instead of the more popular culinary or technology careers. He and his colleagues have created Pandawa Putra Indonesia.

Kukuh, who was attending college in the Department of Agronomy Horticulture IPB, worked in the Laboratory Ecotoxycology and Waste in IPB. He chose the agriculture business so that his education could be applied in real life.

As he put it during our interview, "In addition we also had time to pursue a college degree and work in agriculture. There we can see the opportunities that can not be denied, that the agricultural world is endless as long as humans do need to eat." “Sometimes it takes a different viewpoint or approach in order to see an often-looked (opportunity), very complicated things become a simple way out," according to Kukuh.

Overall impact

This business offers economical solutions for weed control lowering the cost by up to 20%. In addition to being friendly to the environment, it is also more beneficial for consumers. Weed Solution, also known as Solution, an adjuvant (amplifier) of herbicides, can reduce the use of toxic herbicide applications by up to 50%. The product is made from organic material that comes from the abundance of Indonesian natural resources, so there is no need to import material.

The agricultural business in Indonesia is still lacking in terms of innovation. Kukuh hopes that the younger generation, in addition to working with technology, will also actively participate in the development of agriculture in the country.

Business benefit

Kukuh and his colleagues successfully manage a turnover of hundreds of millions of rupiah per year from this business. Properly using their products can significantly increase agricultural profits by making the same land up to 30% more productive though the elimination of weeds.

Over the long term the World Bank predicts that 20 years from now there will be problems supplying enough food and water. There will be great demand for Indonesian agriculture to increase their production of healthy food. Pandawa Group will be in a key position to help Indonesian farmers increase productivity to fill this demand.

Social and environmental benefit

Pandawa products help farmers become economically stable by bringing land choked with weeds back into production. Their products are ecologically sound and reduce the use of toxic chemicals. Healthier agricultural produce reaches the tables of Indonesia consumers.

Kukah also works to alert young people about opportunities and to open their horizons about the impact of business on the environment and society. He wants them to get to know what the world needs and make the most out of it. Utilize the technology and knowledge they receive to improve nature and make a moderate profit out of it. Take advantage from nature and give it back to nature.

Interview

Kukuh Roxa Putra Hadriyono, Chief Operating Officer of the Pandaw Group