IPB University Introduces Padi Gogo Development in Oil Palm Rejuvenation Areas to Promote Rice Self-Sufficiency

IPB University has initiated a program aimed at developing upland rice. This program seeks to optimize the potential for intercropping upland rice in community oil palm rejuvenation areas to bolster food security.

The Rector of IPB University, Prof Arif Satria, explained that studies on the potential of intercropping upland rice in community oil palm rejuvenation areas demonstrate its capability to support rice self-sufficiency. 

“With approximately 17 million hectares of oil palm plantations, 4% of which are designated for replanting, there is potential to utilize around 470.000 hectares of land, which could yield an additional 1,1 million tons of rice,” he stated during the National Padi Gogo Seminar at Sentul Lake Resort and Conference Center, Bogor (19/11). 

Prof Arif emphasized that this potential represents a significant step toward achieving food independence. 

“A trial will be conducted in Siak (Riau) on 20 hectares of oil palm rejuvenation land. If successful, a policy mandating palm oil companies to plant upland rice could be implemented,” he added.

The Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs, Zulkifli Hasan (commonly known as Zulhas), highlighted that the priority focus of President Prabowo’s program at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and Group of Twenty (G20) is self-sufficiency in food, energy, and water. He stressed that all efforts would be concentrated on these three sectors.

“We have the excellent IPB University to support food production. We must stand by our farmers. Please help us figure out how to achieve self-sufficiency, especially in rice. Coordination is critical; it is the key. We must have one vision and one team. We must be optimistic that by 2027 we can achieve food self-sufficiency,” he stated.

During the event, the Special Staff of the Minister of Agriculture for Agricultural Policy, Dr Sam Herodian, mentioned that one of the Ministry of Agriculture’s main programs is achieving rice self-sufficiency, as rice is not only a staple food but also a strategic commodity for national food security.

“We hope for collaborative support between academics, the government, and the community. Let us work together to make Indonesia the world’s food basket,” said Dr Sam Herodian. (dr/Rz) (IAAS/RUM)