Paser farmers wait for palm oil rejuvenation program

Head of Paser Regional Planning Board (Bappeda) I Gusti Putu Suantara, stated in Tanah Grogot, Tuesday that a palm oil replanting program is under the authority of the Ministry of Agriculture, thus it cannot be implemented in that area.

"The fund for palm oil replanting is Rp25 million per hectare, however it cannot be implemented yet because it is under the Ministry of Agriculture," said Putu Suantara.

Paser Bappeda, according to Putu Suantara, will strive for the implementation of the palm oil replanting program in that area.

"Bappeda will explore the palm oil replanting program so that it can be implemented in Paser Regency. The program will not use the Local Government Budget (APBD) but the State Budget (APBN)," Putu Suantara said.

Simultaneously with the palm oil replanting program, Putu Suantara continued, the Paser Regency Government will also plant other types of plants on the same land.

"If the palm oil replanting program is implemented, a corn planting program will be carried out at this location, because there is a three-year waiting period for the farmers before the palm trees can fully grow," said Putu Suantara.

While waiting for the palm oil replanting for three years, he added, the corn planting program can be harvested within three months.

"While waiting for the palm oil to grow for three years, we will promote the corn program that only requires three months to harvest. The program is quite good, especially since the location is around 17 thousand hectares, the same as the area of palm that needs replanting," explained Putu Suantara.

The Paser Regency Government, continued Putu Suantara, has previously coordinated with the Ministry of Agriculture and has received a positive response.

"The Regency Government has coordinated with the Ministry of Agriculture regarding corn planting and has received a positive response and greatly supports the program," said Putu Suantara.

Editor: Tasrief Tarmizi

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