PALMOILMAGAZINE, JAKARTA – PT Perkebunan Nusantara IV (PTPN IV) PalmCo is optimizing the use of oil palm replanting areas by cultivating corn as part of efforts to accelerate national food security. This initiative aligns with the government’s Astacita program to enhance agricultural land productivity.
Jatmiko Santosa, President Director of PTPN IV PalmCo, stated in Jakarta on Friday (March 15) that the company, as part of the PTPN Group, is carrying out its mandate to support food security through land utilization.
“Since the end of January, we have been planting corn simultaneously across several operational units and partner farmers’ areas in five provinces: North Sumatra, Jambi, East Kalimantan, West Java, and Riau. To date, nearly 8 hectares of corn have been planted,” Jatmiko said, as quoted by Palmoilmagazine.com from Antara on Friday (March 14, 2025).
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The corn is planted using an intercropping system on replanted oil palm land and hiaten areas—open spaces in plantations created by vacant planting points. In some provinces, corn is also being cultivated on smallholder oil palm replanting lands under PTPN IV PalmCo’s guidance.
Jatmiko explained that intercropping in hiaten areas is effective because corn can thrive under lower light intensity and the high canopy of oil palm trees. This approach allows for optimal land use without disrupting the growth of the primary crop.
“This year, out of 20,900 hectares of oil palm undergoing replanting on company land, approximately 3,000 hectares are expected to be planted with corn,” Jatmiko added.
This initiative is expected to contribute to national food security while enhancing agricultural productivity within oil palm plantations. By integrating corn cultivation, the program not only promotes agricultural diversification but also adds economic value for partner farmers and surrounding communities. (P2)
