Aceh Tamiang Oil Palm Smallholders Prepare for Superior Sustainable Cultivation

A total of 151 independent oil palm smallholders from Aceh Tamiang Regency, Aceh Province, participated in a Cultivation Training programme under the Plantation Human Resources Development initiative organised by PT Forestcitra Sejahtera (Mutu Institute). The training took place at a hotel in Banda Aceh over the course of a week, from Monday to Saturday (13-18 July). The event was opened by Ahmad Zaini, Head of the UPTD Centre for Horticulture, Food Crops and Plantation Seeds at the Aceh Agriculture and Plantation Office. In his remarks, he stated that oil palm plays a crucial role in driving the economy of Aceh, particularly in plantation centre areas such as Aceh Tamiang. “Independent oil palm smallholders need to continuously improve their knowledge and skills so they can manage their plantations properly, productively and sustainably,” said Ahmad Zaini on Monday (13/7). According to Zaini, the progress of oil palm plantations in Aceh must be accompanied by an improvement in the quality of the planters’ human resources. The activity was funded by the Oil Palm Plantation Fund Management Agency (BPDP). Through training funding, BPDP is directly present to help independent smallholders improve their competence, enhance cultivation practices and strengthen the competitiveness of smallholder palm oil. BPDP’s support for this activity serves as evidence of its concern for increasing the capacity of Indonesian oil palm farmers. During the opening of the training, Sumarna, Commissioner of PT Forestcitra Sejahtera (Mutu Institute), explained through his report and speech that the training was designed to address the technical needs of planters in the field. Sumarna also explained that global demand for palm oil remains wide open because the commodity is used in the food, energy, cosmetics, pharmaceutical and various downstream industries. Participants were provided with materials on selecting superior seeds, nursery management, plant maintenance, fertilisation, pest control and plantation management in accordance with sustainability principles. Superior cultivation techniques are an important effort, as the quality of national palm oil is largely determined by the ability of planters to implement good plantation practices from the upstream level. Quality palm oil must start with good and proper cultivation, beginning with the use of superior seeds, correct plant care, measured fertilisation, and consistent and sustainable plantation management. Over the six days of implementation, participants engaged in learning focused on strengthening practical skills in oil palm cultivation. It is hoped that this training will not end as a ceremonial activity, but will truly serve as a provision for planters to improve the management of their respective plantations. The training programme was implemented as a concrete step to strengthen the capacity of smallholder oil palm planters so they can manage their plantations more productively, efficiently and sustainably.