InfoSAWIT, MURUNG RAYA – Beneath the vast skies of Central Kalimantan, amidst the towering palms, a gathering was held that resonated with purpose and promise. On Wednesday, November 6, 2024, the Central Kalimantan Plantation Office embarked on a journey of connection and empowerment, holding a socialization event in Murung Raya to initiate the vital documentation of smallholder palm oil plantations. Here, fifty local farmers gathered, united by a shared endeavor to foster a sustainable legacy for future generations.
Rizky R. Badjuri, head of the Provincial Plantation Office, painted a vision of agriculture as a pillar of national strength. "Plantations hold a strategic place in our national development," he declared, his words echoing the sentiments of generations who have toiled upon this land. “This effort to register and document our smallholder farmers is not merely administrative; it is a beacon guiding our path toward impactful policy-making and targeted support.”
Such documentation, Rizky emphasized, paves the way for a comprehensive strategy, allowing the government to extend the blessings of rejuvenation programs, essential facilities, and expansion initiatives. From seedling provisions to the construction of new farms, each step is carefully crafted to enhance productivity and elevate the livelihoods of these stewards of the land.
With this mission, the initiative adheres to Regulation No. 98/Permentan/OT.140/9/2013, a guiding principle that seeks to equip every farmer with an official Cultivation Registration Certificate (STDB). This document is more than a formality; it is a symbol of acknowledgment, empowering farmers to access resources and participate fully in the life of the nation.
Reflecting on the significance of this step, Rizky eloquently highlighted that the STDB is a bridge, strengthening the ties between local farmers and the Ministry of Agriculture. It enables targeted distribution of government aid, such as fertilizer subsidies, seedlings, and replanting programs. "The STDB is a foundation for sustainable plantation governance," Rizky affirmed, “supporting communities as they embrace practices that nurture both their prosperity and the natural world.”
In the words of Wahyu, Head of Seed Quality Supervision, this endeavor is essential for each farmer to feel the touch of government support. "With accurate data, we can design policies that truly meet the needs of farmers and ensure the sustainability of palm plantations in Central Kalimantan," he said, Quoted by InfoSAWIT from the official website of the Central Kalimantan Provincial Government, Sunday (10/11/2024).
This gathering was more than just an event; it was an invitation to unity, a call to the farmers of Central Kalimantan to engage in the noble task of preserving their legacy. Through such collaborative efforts, the Central Kalimantan Plantation Office dreams of a brighter future, where the fruits of labor are shared, and the spirit of growth endures. (T2)
