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BASF launches BASF Sahabat Planters digital solution to support Indonesia’s plantations
- New mobile app provides plantation managers with easy access to agronomic advice, product recommendations and personalized training
- Specifically designed for the needs of Indonesian oil palm and paper pulp plantations
- Support training requirements for certifications such as RSPO and FSC
October 7, 2021 – Jakarta, Indonesia – BASF has launched an innovative digital solution to support the efficient and sustainable operations of Indonesia’s plantations for oil palm and paper pulp. Called “BASF Sahabat Planters”, the new mobile app from BASF allows plantation managers and staff to easily find solutions to common agronomic problems, access multimedia-based learning materials, weather prediction and more efficiently deliver and document staff training and development required by relevant certification groups such as the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
“Indonesia is the world’s largest producer of palm oil, and one of 2nd the largest producers of pulp and paper. To remain competitive and profitable, plantations need to stay up to date with the latest innovations and best practices. BASF designed the BASF Sahabat Planters app to directly address the needs of our customers in the plantation industry,” said Ajay Chandola, Head of BASF’s Agricultural Solutions business in Indonesia.
Through the app, plantation managers and staff can receive personalized notifications to support their training and development on key plantation management and stewardship topics. They can also learn about BASF’s portfolio of solutions for the plantation sector and share questions and answers with BASF representatives. Previously, BASF’s team of field personnel offered regular support and training to its customers. But for many customers in remote areas, this could prove difficult. And with the COVID-19 pandemic prohibiting regular face-to-face meetings, a fully virtual solution was required.
Additionally, all information and trainings available through the BASF Sahabat Planters App support the responsible use of agrochemicals and promise good agricultural practices in line with the principles laid out by the RSPO and other certification groups. This builds on BASF’s commitment to support the overall market transformation towards certified sustainable oil palm products.
BASF Sahabat Planters App is available for both Android and iOS smartphones, and can be downloaded on the Google Playstore or Apple App Store.
About BASF’s Agricultural Solutions division
With a rapidly growing population, the world is increasingly dependent on our ability to develop and maintain sustainable agriculture and healthy environments. Working with farmers, agricultural professionals, pest management experts and others, it is our role to help make this possible. That’s why we invest in a strong R&D pipeline and broad portfolio, including seeds and traits, chemical and biological crop protection, soil management, plant health, pest control and digital farming. With expert teams in the lab, field, office and in production, we connect innovative thinking and down-to-earth action to create real world ideas that work – for farmers, society and the planet. In 2020, our division generated sales of €7.7 billion. For more information, please visit www.agriculture.basf.com or any of our social media channels.
About BASF in Indonesia
BASF has been investing in Indonesia since 1976. Today, BASF solutions contribute to the success of its customers in Indonesia in nearly all industries, including agriculture, food, home & personal care, automotive, paints and coatings and chemicals. The head office of BASF in Indonesia is located in Jakarta, with production sites in Cengkareng, Cimanggis and Merak. In 2020, BASF posted sales of approximately €416 million to customers in Indonesia and employed 562 employees as of the end of the year. Further information on BASF in Indonesia is available at www.basf.com/id.
About BASF
At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. More than 110,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio is organized into six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of €59 billion in 2020. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the U.S. Further information at www.basf.com.
