InfoSAWIT, JAKARTA – The Tanzania SDG exploration project is a collaboration between GAPKI, the Palm Oil Germplasm Consortium, and the Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI). The process was lengthy and stringent, involving initial quarantine in Tanzania, transit through CABI in the UK, and shipment to Indonesia via PT Socfindo.

“Approximately 82,000 seeds from Tanzania have been processed since April 2025,” said Edy Suprianto, Senior Vice President of Business Development at PT Riset Perkebunan Nusantara (RPN). “Of these, around 26,000 have been transferred to the main nursery for observation under the supervision of the Indonesian Quarantine Agency.”

The seeds originated from 10 exploration regions across Tanzania, ranging from coastal lowlands such as Tanga to highlands like Tabora at 1,142 meters above sea level, including border areas with Kenya, Zambia, Malawi, and Congo.

This geographic diversity is expected to enrich Indonesia’s palm oil genetic resources. Early observations indicate significant fruit and vegetative variation, suggesting strong potential for future superior varieties.

After nursery evaluation, the seeds will undergo multilocation trials at 14 sites across Sumatra and Kalimantan, as well as one BSIP experimental garden. Research will run from 2026 to 2030, followed by breeding from 2030 to 2040. If successful, new varieties may be released around 2045.

The varieties are expected to combine high productivity, resistance to Ganoderma disease, drought tolerance, climate adaptability, and improved oil quality. (T2)