InfoSAWIT, MEDAN – The practice of intercropping oil palm with other crops such as rubber is considered risky and may reduce productivity if not managed properly. This is due to oil palm’s high dependence on optimal sunlight exposure for growth and yield.

Djan Muhayat, a researcher from the Oil Palm Research Center (PPKS) in Medan, stated that many farmers still do not fully understand the primary objectives of oil palm cultivation.

According to him, oil palm is highly dependent on sunlight. When planted alongside rubber trees that are still actively tapped, the rubber canopy can block sunlight needed by oil palm.

“If oil palm lacks sunlight, its growth will be disrupted. One indication is the dominance of male flowers and elongated growth (etiolation),” he explained.

He cited an example of three-year-old oil palm planted together with rubber. Despite having many fronds, the plants failed to produce optimal fruit due to insufficient light.

Djan emphasized that poorly managed intercropping practices could harm farmers. Rubber latex production becomes suboptimal, while oil palm FFB production is also hindered.

“If this condition persists for two to three years without reducing rubber population, losses will increase as both crops fail to produce optimally,” he said.

Need for Proper Management and Intensive Care

To address this issue, farmers are advised to reorganize plantations, including removing rubber trees that obstruct oil palm growth.

Additionally, intensive maintenance such as fertilization and plant care is necessary to restore growth conditions affected by etiolation.

He also stressed the importance of maintaining an open canopy space to ensure sufficient sunlight reaches oil palm plants.

“Oil palm requires full sunlight. If the upper part of the plant is covered by other canopies, it will directly affect productivity,” he added.

InfoSAWIT quoted from PPKS TV, on Sunday (April 19, 2026), emphasizing the importance of proper plantation management. (T2)