InfoSAWIT, NORTH SUMATRA – The Ministry of Agriculture (Kementan) is accelerating efforts to achieve food self-sufficiency by optimizing intercropping programs, particularly focusing on gogo rice in plantation areas. This initiative targets the Rejuvenation of People's Palm Oil (PSR) and coconut lands, aiming to boost national rice production.
On Friday, January 31, 2025, the Acting Director General of Plantations, Heru Tri Widarto, conducted the inaugural planting of gogo rice in Batubara and Deli Serdang regencies. Collaborating with the Mandiri Farmers Group in Batubara and the Karya and Mawar Farmers Groups in Deli Serdang marks a significant step in implementing this program.
“Commitment and collaboration from all parties, including the Ministry of Agriculture, local governments, the military, partner companies, and other stakeholders, are essential. Together, we can create a strong synergy to support government programs,” said Heru, as reported by InfoSAWIT from the Directorate General of Plantations on Monday, February 3, 2025.
For the national target, the gogo rice intercropping program in plantation areas is expected to yield 600,000 tons of rice, covering an area of 892,349.19 hectares. North Sumatra province aims to plant gogo rice on 26,326 hectares of dry land across 25 regencies in 2025. Batubara regency itself is targeted for a planting area of 83 hectares, while the proposed Canopy Planting Crop Lanes (CPCL) reach 85 hectares. Planting is scheduled for February and July 2025.
The Head of the Batubara Agriculture and Plantation Office, Susilistiawati Ritonga, stated that for 2025, they are targeting gogo rice planting on 85 hectares of plantation land.
Meanwhile, the Head of the North Sumatra Plantation and Livestock Office, M. Zakir Syarif Daulay, emphasized the provincial government's full support for the food self-sufficiency program promoted by the President, to ensure better food security in the future.
With these swift actions, the Ministry of Agriculture hopes to support the achievement of national rice production targets and strengthen food security through optimal utilization of plantation land. (T2)