Ministry of Agriculture provides 38,500 coconut seedlings to Natuna farmers
The Ministry of Agriculture (Kementan) has provided 38,500 coconut seedlings to 497 farmers for planting on 350 hectares of land in Natuna Regency, Riau Islands.
“We proposed the development of coconut cultivation on 500 hectares of land to the Ministry of Agriculture and it was approved in stages, with the latest approval covering 350 hectares and assistance of 38,500 seedlings,” said Natuna Regent Cen Sui Lan in Natuna on Saturday.
She said the farmers are currently receiving training from Ministry of Agriculture representatives on cultivation techniques, covering land preparation, planting holes, the planting process, and plant care.
The mentoring activity took place on Saturday afternoon at the Sri Serindit Building in Natuna Regency, as an effort to improve farmers’ understanding so that the seedlings provided can be developed optimally.
Meanwhile, Head of the Natuna Regency Food Security and Agriculture Office (DKPP) Wan Syazali said the farmers receiving the assistance are members of 34 farmer groups.
According to him, in addition to seedlings, farmers also receive fertiliser and funds to finance land preparation, processing and planting.
“The seedlings come from superior local coconuts, proven by certificates issued by official certification bodies,” he said.
He explained that the coconut seedlings will be distributed in October 2026 and the assistance is part of the coconut plantation rejuvenation and expansion programme.
For expansion, he said, the areas are in Bunguran Tengah District and Bunguran Batubi District, while rejuvenation activities are in Bunguran Timur District, Bunguran Timur Laut District, Bunguran Selatan District and Bunguran Utara District.
He noted that in the Riau Islands there are four regencies receiving similar assistance. However, Natuna is the largest recipient.
“The success of the coconut downstreaming programme depends on the initial planting stage. Therefore, this guidance should be followed properly, especially understanding the technique of making planting holes and the proper use of fertiliser so that coconut seedlings can grow optimally and produce maximum yields,” he said.