Oil palm farmers from the Mulus Rahayu Cooperative in Siak Regency, Riau Province have carried out their first harvest, after taking part in the replanting program in April 2016.
A total of 310 hectares of oil palm plantations were rejuvenated with new plants using Asian Agri’s Topaz seeds, superior seeds capable of producing 30 tons of fresh fruit bunches (FFB) per hectare per year.
Mulus Rahyu Cooperative Chairman, Pawito Saring, expressed joy at the successful harvesting of the oil palm plantations which are managed by a total of 135 plasma farmers.
“One of my initial concerns was the waiting period, when income is reduced as the plants are not yet productive. However, through the partnership with Asian Agri, we received assistance from the preparation period until the actual replanting process. We received training in how to gain alternative income, such as through breeding catfish, so that we could maintain an income,” Pawito said.
Since the start of the national palm oil replanting program in 2016, a total of 1,500 hectares of palm oil plantations have been successfully rejuvenated, particularly those belonging to Asian Agri partners.
Mulus Rahyu Cooperative is a pioneering example of oil palm replanting success.
