Kediri, July 20, 2024 – The Community Service Team from Universitas Brawijaya, led by Dr. Irfan H. Djunaidi, M.Sc., IPM, ASEAN Eng., along with team members Dr. Achadiah Rachmawati, Dr. drh. Rositawati Indrati, and Prof. Siti Azizah, has undertaken a community service project aimed at enhancing the productivity of Joper chickens (Jowo Super) in Kediri Regency. The project was conducted in collaboration with the local poultry farming group “Laskar Unggas” located in Tulungrejo Village, Pare District, one of the largest poultry farming centers in Kediri.
Joper chickens are a crossbreed between native Indonesian chickens (ayam kampung) and layer chickens, specifically bred to produce superior meat with higher productivity. The development of key muscle groups, such as the breast and thigh muscles, in Joper chickens demonstrates their significant potential for meat production. Recognizing this potential, the Community Service Team aimed to maximize the role of Joper chickens as a vital source of animal protein for the community.
The “Laskar Unggas” farming group, established in 2014, has faced challenges, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic. Restrictions such as the Large-Scale Social Restrictions (PSBB) disrupted the live chicken supply chain, severely affecting the group’s farming operations.
To address these challenges, the community service initiative focused on three main areas: (1) improving farm management, (2) establishing an independent feed bank, and (3) enhancing marketing knowledge for Joper chicken products. The implementation of this project involved Forum Discussion Groups (FGDs), outreach programs, and direct training for farmers. In an interview on July 20, 2024, Dr. Irfan H. Djunaidi emphasized that the project aimed to solve the issues faced by Joper chicken farmers from upstream to downstream, especially after the production setbacks during the pandemic.
The community service project has had a positive impact on the “Laskar Unggas” farming group. In addition to improvements in farm management and production, the team provided assistance in the form of animal feed and a freezer. The freezer is used to store Joper chicken carcasses temporarily, especially when market prices are unfavorable, allowing the meat to be preserved before being processed into value-added products such as grilled or seasoned chicken.
Drs. Muchlisin, Deputy Chairman of the “Laskar Unggas” group, expressed hope that the program would help revive the farming business that had suffered during the pandemic and encourage group members who had shifted professions to return to poultry farming. “We hope that with improved management and facilities, the sales of Joper chicken carcasses will significantly increase,” he said.
This community service project not only helped restore the post-pandemic farming operations but also opened opportunities for future growth in Joper chicken production, contributing to a more reliable source of animal protein for the community.
With strong collaboration between Universitas Brawijaya and the farming group, it is expected that “Laskar Unggas” will regain its former success and contribute to the local economy through the further development of Joper chicken farming. tim/mtn
