Dairy Development in Ciater

 By the time the project started, consumption of dairy products in Indonesia was steadily increasing, while domestic production supplied only around 20–25% of the country’s milk needs. This gap was partly explained by structural challenges in the sector, including the predominance of smallholder farming, most of whom managed very small herds of only two to three cows, combined with limited technical knowledge and low adoption of sustainable and efficient farming practices. 

These constraints ultimately limited the sector’s capacity to meet domestic demand, reinforcing the country’s dependence on imports and undermining its food sovereignty. 

Launched in 2011, the Dairy Development in Ciater project strengthened farmers’ capacities in the region. Beyond building a network of skilled farmers, it supported smallholders in transitioning toward more sustainable practices, particularly by improving feeding practices, including both nutrition and water management. 

The project led to a significant increase in milk yield, as well as improvements in farmers’ livelihoods and expertise. It also created sustainable jobs through the establishment of demonstration farms. 

Having reached sustainability, the project has now been completed, but the cooperative continues to operate and supply local dairy industries. 

The project became fully independent after being handed over in 2015.