InfoSAWIT, PONTIANAK — In a move to enhance the capabilities of independent oil palm farmers, the Provincial Office of Plantation and Livestock in West Kalimantan has inaugurated a new training program. On Monday (November 4, 2024), Head of the Plantation and Livestock Office, Heronimus Hero, SP., M.Si, officially opened the Indonesia Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) Certification Assistance Training in Pontianak.

The training aims to create skilled facilitators who will guide farmers through the ISPO certification process, a crucial standard for the sustainability of Indonesia’s palm oil industry. "Through this program, we hope to produce high-quality facilitators capable of assisting farmer organizations in meeting ISPO requirements," said Heronimus during the opening speech, as reported by InfoSAWIT on the official Facebook page of the West Kalimantan Plantation and Livestock Office on Wednesday (November 6, 2024).

The training focuses on key aspects essential to ISPO certification, including the development of Internal Control Systems (SPI) and strengthening institutional capacity. Participants are expected to help farmers adhere to sustainable plantation practices and build a more accurate farmer database.

Heronimus emphasized that strengthening institutional capacity and technical farming expertise are vital to achieving optimal productivity. "We want farmers not only to have high yields but also better market access to sell their fresh fruit bunches (FFB) to Palm Oil Mills (PKS)," he added.

In addition to enhancing the competitiveness of independent farmers, the training program is expected to open up broader opportunities for West Kalimantan’s palm oil products to meet global standards. (T2)