InfoSAWIT, JAKARTA - When palm oil plantations age and productivity declines, palm oil farmers in Pelalawan find new hope through replanting using Topaz seeds from Asian Agri. In just 29 months since planting, their plantations have started harvesting—faster than the usual palm oil cycle. This experience proves that superior seeds can change the future of palm oil farmers.
When palm oil productivity and plant age decline, replanting (new planting) becomes a crucial path to save farmers' futures. But like choosing the seed of life, this initial step cannot be taken carelessly. Endin Zainuddin Syam, Chairman of the Village Unit Cooperative (KUD) Usaha Tani, knows the importance of that decision well. After more than 30 years as a plasma farmer partnering with Asian Agri, in November 2022 he decided to use Topaz superior seeds from PT Inti Indosawit Subur—an Asian Agri subsidiary.
"Initially, I got information from the accompanying team. They talked about the productivity and resilience of Topaz seeds. I thought, why not try?" said Endin to InfoSAWIT, early July 2025. That decision turned out to be a new turning point in the cycle of his palm oil plantation.
What impressed Endin was not only the smooth seed purchase process, but also the speed from planting to harvest. “I planted in November 2022, and I could have the first harvest in May 2025. So it only took 29 months,” he said, half in disbelief. In the palm oil world, harvesting under 30 months is not common, but now it's real in his plantation.
From the initial harvest results, positive signs are already visible. The average bunch weight reaches 4.5 kilograms. In the last two months, per hectare can produce around 1.2 tons. “This is still early, but the initial trend is very promising. If this continues to increase, my income will definitely rise compared to before replanting,” he said optimistically.
Besides the larger and more uniform fruit physical results, Endin also feels the difference in the maintenance system. With support from the Asian Agri team, all plant growth processes are more planned.
“Now everything is more systematic. Schedules for fertilization, pruning, to pest checks already have guidelines. So as a farmer, I'm more relaxed,” he said. With healthy and evenly growing plants, Endin assesses that his hard work as a farmer yields more efficient results. (*)
For more details, read InfoSAWIT magazine edition August 2025
