InfoSAWIT, PEKANBARU – In an effort to support the acceleration of smallholder palm oil rejuvenation (PSR) and enhance productivity, PTPN IV Regional III, part of the Sub Holding PTPN IV PalmCo, is expanding the supply of certified superior palm seedlings in Riau Province. These superior seedlings are available at six nurseries located in Dumai City, Tandun, Sei Pagar (Kampar Regency), Sei Rokan (Rokan Hulu Regency), Lubuk Dalam (Siak Regency), and Air Molek (Indragiri Hulu Regency).
The seedlings prepared have the potential to produce fresh fruit bunches (TBS) of up to 33–35 tons per hectare per year. Rurianto, Region Head of PTPN IV Regional III, stated on Friday (December 13, 2024) that to date, 1.6 million seedlings have been absorbed by farmers. "This program has received a very positive response. Demand continues to rise, so this December we are preparing an additional 200,000 seedlings to support the rejuvenation of farmers' plantations," Rurianto told InfoSAWIT, as quoted from Riauterkini on Monday (December 16, 2024).
Two varieties provided, PPKS 540 and PPKS SMB, have advantages such as faster harvest age (28 months), an average weight of 19 kilograms per bunch, productivity of up to 35 tons per hectare per year, and high yields of up to 27 percent. "These advantages are offered to help farmers achieve optimal results while supporting the national food and energy sovereignty vision," Rurianto explained.
PTPN IV also facilitates access to seedlings for farmers through nurseries or the Sawit Rakyat Online website. General Manager of Partner Farmers District, Ferry P. Lubis, explained that farmers can obtain information or order seedlings through the company's official contact. "Farmers just need to come to the nursery or contact our official representative Ridho at 0823-7142-2295," Ferry stated.
This initiative also addresses the rampant issue of counterfeit seedlings that often hinder farmers. According to a survey by the Palm Oil Research Center (PPKS), many farmers fall victim to counterfeit seedlings due to low prices, lack of information, or distance to official suppliers. "Since early 2021, we decided to release superior seedlings that were previously only used in core and plasma plantations, now available for independent farmers online," Ferry added.
This program is not only applicable in Riau but has also been expanded to various regions across the archipelago, in response to positive feedback from farmers regarding the provision of superior seedlings that support the success of PSR. (T2)
