InfoSAWIT, MUKOMUKO – The Agriculture Office of Mukomuko Regency, Bengkulu Province, has successfully realized a palm oil rejuvenation program covering 906 hectares out of a target of 1,000 hectares for 2024. This initiative aims to replace unproductive oil palm plants due to the use of inferior seeds and the age of the plants.
"This realization includes areas that have been completed and those still in process at the provincial level and the Directorate General of Plantations at the Ministry of Agriculture," said Iwan Cahaya, Head of the Plantation Division of the Mukomuko Agriculture Office, as quoted by InfoSAWIT from Antara on Monday (30/11/2024).
Of the total realization, 67.8 hectares have reached the second stage of the Cooperation Agreement (PKS). Meanwhile, 342.42 hectares are awaiting technical recommendations for the first stage, 229.76 hectares are in the third stage, 181 hectares are undergoing document verification in the fourth stage, and 106 hectares are completing administration in the fifth stage.
Although the rejuvenation realization for 2024 has reached 906 hectares, activities such as tree felling and chipping will only begin in 2025. A similar situation occurred with the rejuvenation realization of 700 hectares in 2023, which will be carried out throughout 2024.
The Mukomuko Agriculture Office has also set a target for palm oil rejuvenation for smallholders of 1,000 hectares for 2025, the same as the previous year's target. "This target aims to replace unproductive oil palm plants to provide better yields for farmers," said Iwan.
Currently, several farmer groups in Mukomuko have submitted proposals for the palm oil rejuvenation program. These proposals will be included in the rejuvenation targets for the coming year.
This rejuvenation initiative is expected to enhance the productivity of smallholder oil palm plantations and positively impact farmers' economies. Administrative and technical support from the government continues to be strengthened to ensure the success of this program.
With a significant area of smallholder oil palm plantations still using inferior seeds, Mukomuko has the potential to become one of the leading regions in improving the quality and yield of national oil palm plantations. (T2)
