PALMOILMAGAZINE, CIKEUSIK – Positive news emerged from Nanggala Village, Cikeusik District, where Aryadi, a farmer from the Neglasari Farmers Group, successfully harvested upland rice intercropped with oil palm in early March (March 6, 2025). This harvest highlights the benefits of intercropping (locally known as tumpang sisip) between upland rice and oil palm, offering dual advantages for smallholders.
Aryadi reported that his group had cultivated upland rice on 25 hectares of oil palm land. Three other farmer groups in the village also implemented the same intercropping method, bringing the total area of upland rice cultivation to around 100 hectares. Meanwhile, the oil palm plantations managed by the local community cover 200 hectares, with an average fresh fruit bunch (FFB) yield of 20–30 tons per hectare annually. The oil palm trees are currently in their fifth year of growth.
According to Aryadi, the upland rice was planted at the start of the rainy season between November and December, and is now yielding between 2 to 3.5 tons per hectare. “The Ministry of Agriculture’s support for upland rice cultivation in plantation areas has greatly benefited smallholders. It provides additional income before the palms reach peak productivity and contributes to national food self-sufficiency,” Aryadi stated, as reported by Palmoilmagazine.com via the official page of the Directorate General of Plantations on Sunday (March 30, 2025).
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The Ministry of Agriculture, through the Directorate General of Plantations, continues to promote upland rice cultivation on dry land and plantation areas to accelerate national food self-sufficiency. Upland rice is particularly suited for dryland farming, unlike most rice varieties that require wet or irrigated fields. It is expected to become a key component of future national food security strategies.
Acting Director General of Plantations, Heru Tri Widarto, explained that integrating upland rice into oil palm plantations is part of the People’s Palm Oil Replanting Program (PSR). This initiative not only supports oil palm rejuvenation but also contributes to food security through intercropping. Future PSR programs will include support for upland rice seeds, along with assistance for land clearing, herbicides, and fertilizers.
Following the successful harvest, the integration of upland rice and oil palm plantations is expected to expand further, serving as a model for sustainable agriculture that offers both economic benefits and enhanced food resilience for rural communities. (P2)
