PALMOILMAGAZINE, KAMPAR, RIAU – The Indonesian Association of Plasma Smallholders in Partnership with Plantation Companies (Aspekpir) is promoting the development of biochar, a high-carbon active charcoal made from palm oil empty fruit bunches (EFB or tankos). The initiative took place at KUD Karya Sembada, located in Batang Tindih Village, Rumbio Jaya Subdistrict, and involved 100 smallholder farmers who are members of Aspekpir in Kampar Regency, Riau.
Aspekpir Chairman Setiyono emphasized that farmers in Kampar have strong potential to produce biochar independently due to the abundant availability of tankos in the region.
“We hope our members in Kampar can produce biochar on their own, given the plentiful supply of EFB,” said Setiyono, as quoted by Palmoilmagazine.com in a statement.
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He clarified that biochar is not a fertilizer, but rather a soil conditioner. Its ability to retain moisture and nutrients helps improve soil structure, supports healthy root development, and promotes the growth of beneficial soil microbes.
Mirza Arif Zainal of the Agathis Dammara Carbon Foundation explained that biochar is created through incomplete combustion in low-oxygen conditions at temperatures between 200°C and 250°C. The resulting product contains fine pores that absorb and retain essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium—preventing them from being washed away by rain or erosion.
The program also received full support from the Palm Oil Plantation Fund Management Agency (BPDPKS). Anwar Sadat, Senior Analyst of the UKMK Division, expressed optimism about the initiative.
“Biochar has strong economic potential. Besides being used in farmers’ own plantations, it can also be marketed to households, community groups, and even large plantations,” said Anwar.
He noted that biochar could become a valuable business opportunity, especially given the ample supply of raw material and increasing demand across multiple market segments. (P3)
