InfoSAWIT, JAKARTA - The increasing FFB price as the result of increasing crude palm oil (CPO) price in the globe encouraged many farmers to substitute their plantations to be palm oil.

But the new farmers (not palm oil) do not understand how to get certified palm oil seeds from the official stores. This leads them to take a short cut, such as, seeking palm oil seeds from the internet.

The facts showed, tens of superior palm oil seed producers in Indonesia do not sell in marketplace. This is because of the regulation in palm oil seed trade. There are some processes to do according to the regulation.

Irma Zulhana Koto from Pusat Penelitan Kelapa Sawit (PPKS) told, her side never sold palm oil seed through online shops but it is limited by using Mysawit and Powitra which everything runs strictly.

She also mentioned, though the purchase is in the two platforms, they should connect with PPKS Medan. “For all these years, we sell palm oil seeds using platforms that PPKS Medan provides, but not by online shops,” Irma said.

Agustiaman Purba from Socfindo said, he does not understand why palm oil seeds are sold online. His side complained to Komite Pengamanan Perdagangan Indonesia and other related instances. “Why does it happen for almost a decade?” he questioned.

Purba also mentioned, smallholders or farmers who really need superior seeds should directly contact seeds producers for it will be in simple procedures. Just show your ID and land certificate.

“I think, the proposal to purchase superior or certified palm oil seeds is not complicated. Show your ID and area document could be published by official village officers. You can buy it. It is undeniable, there will be minimal orders about 400 seeds by considering delivery costs,” he said. (T2)

Source: Majalah InfoSAWIT, February 2022