InfoSAWIT, BOGOR – The government, through the Ministry of Agriculture (Kementan), continues to strengthen national seed management, particularly for palm oil commodities. Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman emphasized the importance of ensuring that circulating seeds are of high quality, certified, and labeled to support the sustainability of the palm oil industry, which is one of Indonesia's largest non-oil and gas foreign exchange contributors.
"The use of illegitimate seeds can have long-term negative impacts on the national economy. Therefore, improving this management is urgent," Andi Amran stated in an official statement quoted by InfoSAWIT on Friday, December 13, 2024.
Acting Director General of Estates, Heru Tri Widarto, conveyed that the Directorate General of Estates is focused on enhancing services, particularly in providing regulations that support the seed business. This effort aims to ensure the availability of high-quality seeds in adequate quantities.
"We must be responsive to the issues that arise in society. Refining regulations and managing palm oil seeds is one of our top priorities," Heru asserted.
One concrete step taken is the revision of the Minister of Agriculture's Decree No. 26 of 2021 regarding palm oil and the formulation of regulations related to Genetic Purity Testing of Seeds. This step is expected to support the strategic program for the Replanting of People's Palm Oil (PSR), as stated by the Director of Plantation Seed, Ebi Rulianti.
To expedite regulatory improvements, the Directorate of Plantation Seeds held a Regulatory Discussion Meeting on Palm Oil Commodities on December 10 in Bogor. This event involved various parties, including provincial plantation offices, technical implementation units of the Directorate General of Estates, the Indonesian Palm Oil Entrepreneurs Association (GAPKI), the Palm Oil Plantation Fund Management Agency (BPDP), the Indonesian Plantation Seed Breeders Association (PPBTPI), and seed producers.
These steps demonstrate the Ministry of Agriculture's commitment to ensuring the sustainability of Indonesia's palm oil industry. With better management, Indonesia is expected to not only increase palm oil plantation productivity but also strengthen its position in the global market. (T2)
