Universitas Jambi is assisting independent oil palm smallholders in Muaro Jambi as they prepare for replanting, introducing FEROTRAP as part of efforts to strengthen farm management and protect farmers’ economic resilience.
PALMOILMAGAZINE, MUARO JAMBI — Oil palm replanting remains one of the biggest challenges facing independent smallholders, as the process can affect both plantation productivity and household income during the period when newly replanted trees have yet to produce.
To address this challenge, a community engagement team from the Faculty of Agriculture at Jambi University (UNJA) is providing assistance to independent oil palm farmers in Muaro Jambi Regency.
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The program, titled “Strengthening the Agribusiness Model of Independent Oil Palm Smallholders Through the Adoption of FEROTRAP for Farmers’ Economic Resilience and Sustainability During Replanting,” was held in Bukit Baling Village, Sekernan District, Muaro Jambi Regency, on Monday.
According to information from UNJA, the program is designed to strengthen farmers’ preparedness for the replanting period by introducing innovations that can support more effective plantation management. The adoption of FEROTRAP is one of the approaches introduced through the initiative.
Karina Rahmah, head of the community engagement team, said the replanting period requires careful preparation because farmers must manage a period when their oil palm trees are not yet productive, potentially reducing household income.
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“We are carrying out this program to assist independent oil palm farmers in improving their understanding and preparedness for the replanting period,” Karina said.
“Through the introduction and adoption of FEROTRAP, we hope farmers can gain access to an alternative innovation that supports plantation management while strengthening their economic sustainability.”
According to Karina, strengthening farmers’ capacity should not focus solely on technical cultivation practices. Farmers also need strategies to maintain business continuity and protect their sources of income while their oil palm plantations undergo replanting.
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During the program, the UNJA team delivered materials on strengthening independent smallholder oil palm agribusiness and provided an opportunity for farmers to discuss challenges encountered in the field.
One of the participating farmers, Poniran, welcomed the assistance and said the program had provided new knowledge about innovations that could be applied to oil palm plantation management.
“We gained new knowledge about plantation management and the use of FEROTRAP,” Poniran said. “Programs like this are very helpful for us as farmers, especially as we prepare for the replanting period.”
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In addition to classroom sessions, the program included an introduction to the application of FEROTRAP in plantation areas. Farmers also discussed plantation conditions, economic challenges during replanting and opportunities to adopt innovations that could support the long-term sustainability of their businesses.
UNJA hopes the initiative will contribute to strengthening independent smallholder oil palm agribusiness in Muaro Jambi.
Assistance and the adoption of appropriate innovations are seen as important not only in helping farmers navigate the replanting period, but also in maintaining economic resilience and supporting plantation productivity over the long term. (P2)
