Ulu Belu, Lampung In a groundbreaking development in sustainable agriculture, an agroforestry project in Ulu Belu has begun implementing Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to monitor the growth, productivity, and fertilization patterns of black pepper (Piper nigrum) plants. The use of RFID in agriculture is not new, but applying it to individual pepper plants in a forest integrated system marks a major step forward in precision farming for tropical spice crops. Each plant is now tagged with a unique RFID chip, enabling real time data collection and traceability throughout the plant’s lifecycle. “We are using RFID to build a digital identity for each pepper plant,” said Bayu Hartono a representative of the project. “This allows us to monitor growth stages, measure productivity, and track fertilizer application more accurately than ever before.” The agroforestry system, which integrates pepper cultivation with other native trees, not only improves biodiversity but also benefits from better nutrient cycling. With the RFID system in place, farmers and researchers can now collect data more efficiently, including information on plant health, flowering cycles, and yield patterns all tied to specific environmental conditions. This data-driven approach is expected to enhance decision-making related to crop management, improve fertilization accuracy, and reduce waste. It also opens up opportunities for traceable and transparent spice supply chains, crucial for meeting international market standards and sustainability certifications. “This is a breakthrough for smallholder pepper farmers,” the spokesperson added. “By combining traditional knowledge with smart farming technologies like RFID, we are empowering farmers to increase productivity while maintaining the ecological integrity of their land.” The initiative is part of a broader movement to digitalize Indonesia’s spice agriculture and strengthen its position in the global market, while promoting sustainable practices through agroforestry and technological innovation.
