InfoSAWIT, SUBULUSSALAM – The Indonesian Palm Oil Farmers Association (Apkasindo) Aceh, in collaboration with the Palm Oil Research Center (PPKS), has conducted tests on the yield of crude palm oil (CPO) and palm kernel from fresh fruit bunches (TBS) in several regions of Aceh. This initiative aims to ensure fair pricing for independent farmers' TBS.
The testing follows a letter from the Aceh Plantation Office to PT Riset Perkebunan Nusantara and PPKS. Samples were collected from various locations, including Aceh Singkil, Subulussalam City, Nagan Raya, Aceh Tamiang, Aceh Timur, and Aceh Utara, totaling 266 samples from oil palm plantations aged between 3 to 30 years.
The Chairman of Apkasindo Aceh, Ir. Netap Ginting, emphasized the importance of accuracy and data representation in palm oil yield testing. “Samples must include various varieties and levels of fruit maturity. Additionally, the extraction methods used must meet standards, such as the Soxhlet method, and calibrated measuring instruments to ensure accurate results,” he explained.
The testing process involved a team from PPKS Medan, plant breeding researcher Fadilah Siteppu, and representatives from the Subulussalam DPD Apkasindo, Rozi Akbar Siregar and Sulisman. The results of this testing will be communicated to the Aceh Provincial Plantation Office and farmer organizations, including Apkasindo Aceh, as a reference for determining the price of independent farmers' TBS.
Yield Test Results as a Basis for Price Determination
During the assistance process, it was found that most farmers still harvest immature TBS and use the Dura palm variety, resulting in yields of only 15–18 percent. This often serves as a reason for palm oil mills (PKS) to claim low yields from farmers.
“Farmers must harvest according to plantation SOPs, which include waiting for fruit to drop and planting certified palm seedlings to improve TBS quality and yield,” said Netap Ginting.
He also highlighted the importance of partnerships between independent palm oil farmers and PKS, as regulated in the Minister of Agriculture Regulation (Permentan) No. 13 of 2024, which revises Permentan No. 01 of 2018. Under this regulation, TBS prices only apply to plasma farmers and those who have partnered with PKS.
Apkasindo Aceh hopes that the yield test results can serve as a basis for establishing fairer TBS prices for independent farmers. Furthermore, these results are expected to encourage farmers to pay more attention to harvest quality and plantation management to enhance their productivity and income. (*)
Report by: Nukman Suryadi Angkat
