InfoSAWIT, JAKARTA – For oil palm farmers, maintaining plantations is not only about today’s harvest but securing their family’s future. Indonesia’s Smallholder Replanting Programme (PSR) provides financial assistance, quality seedlings, and technical training to improve productivity and livelihoods.

Sukasno, an oil palm farmer in Meranti Village, Jambi, has cultivated oil palm since 1991. When his ageing palms became less productive, he faced a difficult choice: replant and lose income for three years, or continue harvesting declining yields.

The turning point came when his farmer group, Gapoktan Sumber Urip, partnered with PT Kresna Duta Agroindo (KDA) under the PSR scheme. The programme aligns with Sinar Mas Agribusiness and Food’s sustainability framework, Collective for Impact, which aims to train 100,000 smallholders in good agricultural practices by 2035.

Farmers were informed they could receive IDR50 million for every two hectares replanted.

Initially hesitant, Sukasno gained confidence after seeing the company’s and government’s commitment. “At first, we doubted it. We even asked whether the funds really did not need to be repaid,” he recalled.

Beyond funding, Sukasno received technical training on proper planting, fertilisation timing, and “tumbang chipping”—cutting old trunks into smaller pieces for easier field management.

The results were striking. Previously harvesting 600–700 kg per plot, Sukasno now produces 1,200–1,400 kg per harvest.

Similar progress was reported by Suwarno, head of the farmer group, who began replanting in 2020 and has completed three phases. Access to Dami Mas superior seedlings and structured field mentoring has been key.

The partnership also supports intercropping with food crops, assisted by local agricultural extension officers.

Clear eligibility requirements—including collective management of at least 50 hectares or a minimum of 20 members—provide transparency and encourage participation. (*)

For more details, read InfoSAWIT Magazine December 2025 edition.