PALMOILMAGAZINE, KOTAWARINGIN BARAT – Since its founding on December 29, 1984, Koperasi Unit Desa (KUD) Tani Subur has evolved into a key driver of independent palm oil farmer welfare in Central Kalimantan. Based in Pangkalan Tiga Village, Pangkalan Lada Sub-district, West Kotawaringin Regency, the cooperative goes beyond palm oil management—it brings real, positive change to both the environment and the local community.
A major turning point came in 2017 when KUD Tani Subur committed to the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) certification. Over the past eight years, the cooperative and its members have steadily progressed toward sustainable palm cultivation practices.
“Through RSPO certification, farmers receive training in good agricultural practices. As a result, their fresh fruit bunch (FFB) yields have increased, along with their income,” said a representative of the KUD Tani Subur Independent Farmers Unit, as reported by Palmoilmagazine.com via Fortasbi’s official site on Friday (May 16, 2025).
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Beyond productivity gains, farmers benefit financially from RSPO credit sales. The annual premiums are distributed proportionally based on internal cooperative rules. More importantly, RSPO certification has fostered a greater awareness of environmental stewardship.
Farmers are now active in conservation efforts, allocating part of their premium income to plant high-value crops along riverbanks—an act of commitment to protecting natural ecosystems.
Social well-being is also a priority. Through the Independent Farmers Unit, the cooperative consistently allocates 2% of the credit proceeds to assist underprivileged residents. An additional 3% is used to fund medical check-ups for farmers, cooperative members, and nearby communities.
“This health initiative is crucial to ensure farmers remain productive and aware of the importance of personal well-being,” added the cooperative’s representative.
KUD Tani Subur has also built strong collaboration with village authorities. As a gesture of appreciation for the village government’s support in the certification process, 5% of the credit proceeds have been used to help construct a new village office building.
The story of KUD Tani Subur is a powerful testament that sustainable palm oil is more than a slogan—it is a tangible path to farmer prosperity, environmental balance, and social harmony, all rooted in the spirit of mutual cooperation. (P2)
