PALMOILMAGAZINE, LAMANDAU — Solidaridad organized a Farmer Field Day (FFD) for alumni of the Farmer Field School (FFS) in Lamandau, Central Kalimantan. The event aimed to strengthen communication networks and enhance the knowledge and motivation of independent oil palm smallholders and FFS alumni in applying best agricultural practices that are productive, efficient, and sustainable.
Carrying the theme “Enhancing Productivity and Sustainability Through Strong Alumni Networks,” the event also served as an important milestone in implementing the 2024–2026 Regional Action Plan for Sustainable Palm Oil (RAD KSB) in Lamandau Regency. The program focuses on capacity-building for smallholders, promoting Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), facilitating registration under the Cultivation Registration Certificate (STDB), and providing technical assistance to accelerate ISPO certification.
Yeni Fitriyanti, Country Manager of Solidaridad Indonesia, emphasized that FFD acts as a vital platform for smallholder connectivity.
“The essence of FFD is to create a space where FFS alumni can share their experiences and knowledge with independent smallholders, communities, academics, and industry players. It also connects smallholders to broader access — including information, finance, markets, and other enabling factors available through communities, government, and private sectors,” said Yeni in a written statement received by Palmoilmagazine.com on Saturday (Nov 8).
She added, “We hope this event strengthens the role and position of independent oil palm smallholders across Lamandau.”
FFD brought together smallholders and FFS alumni in a collaborative setting that involved local governments, related agencies, companies, academia, CSOs, and other key stakeholders. The event became a platform for sharing best practices in improving yields, farm management, and sustainable agricultural practices, while also addressing challenges such as pest and disease outbreaks, fluctuating Fresh Fruit Bunch (FFB) prices, and compliance with sustainability certification standards like ISPO and RSPO.
The celebration featured farm visits and program exhibition booths. Exhibitors included Lamandau Polytechnic, which showcased products such as palm-based organic fertilizers and handicrafts made from palm waste; several companies presenting their technological innovations; as well as financial institutions and fertilizer suppliers.
FFD also hosted several presentations, including from the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, covering topics such as STDB registration, ISPO certification, infrastructure and facility programs, palm oil scholarships, and funding opportunities supported by the Plantation Fund Management Agency (BPDP). Participants also attended sessions on palm frond and nipa palm utilization delivered by industry experts.
Solidaridad’s Farmer Field School program in Lamandau has demonstrated significant scale and impact since its launch in 2024. It now covers 13 villages across four districts, encompassing a total plantation area of 40,043 hectares. To date, 760 farmers have received training — including 573 men and 187 women — with 130 graduates being certified during this year’s FFD, highlighting the program’s commitment to gender inclusivity.
The FFD is expected to result in a jointly agreed Follow-Up Action Plan (RTL) among participating smallholders, encouraging more independent farmers to join future FFS classes. Looking ahead, Solidaridad hopes to help reestablish community-based farmer institutions that can serve as advisory hubs for Lamandau’s independent smallholders — reinforcing their self-reliance and sustainability while showcasing collective commitment to the RAD KSB initiative.
About Solidaridad
Solidaridad is a pioneer in sustainable economic development, advocating for the welfare of farmers and workers. The organization promotes inclusive and sustainable supply chains to achieve shared prosperity while ensuring production remains in balance with environmental capacity.
With over 55 years of experience, Solidaridad has developed practical solutions to build resilient communities and sustainable supply chains. Its programs support the transition toward an inclusive economy with sustainable livelihoods for all—encompassing decent work, entrepreneurship, and responsible production.
Recognizing the role of markets in driving positive social and environmental change, Solidaridad views public–private partnerships as key catalysts for innovation, transformation, and impact. Through multi-stakeholder collaborations that accelerate scale and reach, Solidaridad continues to support local initiatives that empower independent smallholders toward an inclusive, climate-resilient, and sustainable economy. (P3)
