Introducing genetically improved Melaleuca cajuputi subsp cajuputi to increase farmers’s welfare: a success story in Papua

Abstract

Cajuput tree is native to Maluku and produce 1,8 cineole based essential oil. Since 1995, the Centre of Biotechnology and Tree Improvement has implemented a genetic improvement program of cajuput aiming to increase oil yield and oil content. The program has successfully produced superior seeds with the yield of 2%. In early 2016, a small scale pilot plantation of cajuput was established in 5 ha community land di Kampung Rimbajaya Distrik Biak Timur Kabupaten Biak, Papua. Leaf distillation started at the end of 2017 using a simple distillation unit. Previously, the local farmers were woodcutters and shifting cultivators. After the establishment of cajuput plantation, they became permanent farmers and cajuput oil refiners. Leaf distillation of genetically improved trees produced oil yield of 1.3%, a significant improvement from the average of 0.6 – 0.8% yield of unimproved trees. This 5 ha plantation of 2500 trees/ha potentially produce 400 kg/year. Some of the cajuput oil is sold in a local market in 8ml bottle. This cajuput oil production scheme has increased the farmers welfare. Furthermore, the success story of Kovarwis farmers inspired other farmers surrounding Rimbajaya to develop similar plantation. When this small-scale plantation is replicated in other parts of Indonesia, cajuput oil production will increase and Indonesia may one day become self-sufficient in cajuput oil. An agreement with cajuput packaging company is being establish to ensure that the oil produce by farmers will be purchased by the company and thus ensuring steady supply of good quality oil.