InfoSAWIT, INDRAGIRI HILIR — The Indragiri Hilir Regency Government has taken strategic steps to strengthen food security through the integration of plantation and food sectors. Bupati Herman led the inaugural planting of Gogo rice on palm oil land under the People's Palm Oil Rejuvenation Program (PSR) as part of land optimization innovation.
This event, held on Monday, is not merely ceremonial. It represents a tangible effort to productively utilize PSR palm oil land, especially during the gap between harvesting and the new palm trees' yield. Gogo rice was chosen as an intercropped commodity due to its adaptability to land and climate conditions, with the potential to boost farmers' productivity.
"This program is not just symbolic; it marks the beginning of our concrete steps to integrate the plantation and food sectors. I hope initiatives like this continue to grow and can be expanded to other areas in Inhil," Bupati Herman stated, as reported by InfoSAWIT from the Riau Media Center on Thursday, June 19, 2025.
Herman emphasized the local government's commitment to support every stage, from seed provision to technical field assistance. He also encouraged farmers and farmer groups to maximize this program.
"I urge farmers to make the most of this program. I will ensure that the local government is present to assist," Herman asserted.
Since 2022, the PSR program in Indragiri Hilir has covered 813 hectares. This year, the government aims to expand it to 1,000 hectares. As part of the food sector integration, the proposal for Gogo rice planting on PSR land reaches 607 hectares, with an estimated seed requirement of 12,140 kilograms of superior Inpago variety.
This initiative serves as a dual strategy: accelerating land utilization during the palm oil rejuvenation period while strengthening local food production. Through this approach, farmers can earn additional income from rice harvests while waiting for palm oil to grow back.
Furthermore, Bupati Herman expressed hope that this palm and food integration model could serve as an example for developing agricultural areas based on adaptive and sustainable superior commodities. By combining long-term (palm oil) and short-term (rice) crops, farmers will achieve better economic resilience.
"We want this program to be a long-term solution, not only in terms of production but also in improving farmers' welfare. We will continue to encourage such approaches to be replicated in other districts," Herman concluded.
Through the synergy between the government, farmers, and the plantation sector, Inhil is optimistic about strengthening its position as a strategic region that excels not only in palm oil but also in food security challenges in the future. (T2)
