InfoSAWIT, MEDAN – Intercropping bananas within oil palm plantations remains a popular strategy among smallholders seeking additional income, particularly during immature plantation stages or periods of lower productivity. However, industry experts caution that poor management could reduce long-term palm oil yields.

Djan Muhayat, a practitioner from the Indonesian Oil Palm Research Institute (PPKS), said banana cultivation can coexist with oil palm as long as plant populations are carefully controlled and do not create excessive competition for sunlight.

Speaking to InfoSAWIT based on information released by PPKS on Tuesday (23/6/2026), Djan noted that while intercropping can provide economic benefits, it may also lead to lower Fresh Fruit Bunch (FFB) production compared with plantations managed under ideal palm densities without additional shading.

Particular attention should be given to banana varieties such as Kepok, which produce numerous suckers and can rapidly dominate growing space if left unmanaged.

“If banana suckers are allowed to multiply excessively, oil palms may lose access to the sunlight needed for photosynthesis and fruit production,” Djan explained.

By contrast, varieties such as Barangan and Raja bananas are considered less problematic because they produce fewer offshoots and are easier to control.

According to Djan, sunlight remains the most critical factor affecting oil palm productivity. Excessive shading from intercrops can reduce yields over time, while optimal light exposure supports stronger growth and larger bunch formation.

He added that plantations with lower tree populations may benefit from reduced fertilizer requirements, helping farmers lower production costs despite potentially lower yields.

Djan encouraged farmers to continue intercropping if necessary but stressed the importance of selecting suitable banana varieties and regularly controlling sucker growth to prevent competition with oil palms. (T2)