InfoSAWIT, BENGKULU – Indonesia is strengthening efforts to help oil palm smallholders reduce production costs and improve soil health through organic fertilizer training, with 167 farmers participating in the latest program in Bengkulu Province.
The training was organized under the Human Resource Development Program for the Oil Palm Plantation Sector, funded by the Plantation Fund Management Agency (BPDP) under the Ministry of Finance, in collaboration with the Directorate General of Plantations under the Ministry of Agriculture. PT Citra Widya Education (PT CWE) served as the implementing partner.
The second training session was officially opened at the Mercure Hotel in Bengkulu on October 20, 2026. Participants included 40 farmers from Central Bengkulu, 60 from Seluma, and 67 from South Bengkulu.
The first session, held the previous week, involved approximately 162 participants from Mukomuko and North Bengkulu.
Bengkulu Regional Secretary Herwan Antoni, representing the provincial governor, officially opened the event.
PT CWE President Director Stefanus Nugroho Kristono said the program aims to improve farmers' skills in producing and applying organic fertilizers to support plantation productivity and maintain long-term soil fertility.
He encouraged farmers to make better use of locally available organic materials, including oil palm fronds, empty fruit bunches, weeds, and livestock manure.
Stefanus emphasized that organic fertilizer should complement, rather than automatically replace, inorganic fertilizers. Application decisions should consider crop requirements, soil conditions, nutrient availability, and production targets.
He also highlighted opportunities for farmer groups to turn agricultural and livestock waste into marketable products, potentially reducing dependence on external inputs while creating additional income.
Bengkulu's Head of the Food Crops, Horticulture and Plantation Agency, Sri Herlin Despita, said organic fertilizer could help improve soil structure, support beneficial microorganisms, and enhance nutrient availability.
Practical Skills and Follow-Up Support
Ministry of Agriculture training official M. Apuk Ismane stressed the importance of applying the training's lessons in the field. He outlined priorities including technical skills, appropriate fertilizer application, stronger farmer institutions, and follow-up evaluations with agricultural extension officers.
He also warned farmers against applying immature compost, which can negatively affect plant growth. Properly matured organic fertilizer generally has a stable temperature, an earthy smell, and well-decomposed materials.
The provincial government called for continued assistance after the training to ensure farmers can apply their new skills effectively.
The initiative is expected to strengthen smallholder independence, improve production efficiency, and promote more sustainable oil palm plantation management in Bengkulu. (T2)
