PT Sumber Tani Agung Conducts Oil Palm Cultivation Training for Farmer Groups Mitra Hugo and Maju Bersama

PT Sumber Tani Agung (STA) organized an Oil Palm Cultivation Training for the farmer groups (Poktan) Mitra Hugo and Maju Bersama, in collaboration with the Indonesian Oil Palm Research Center (PPKS) based in Medan, North Sumatra.

The training was held at the BPP Office of Hutagodang Village, Sei Kanan District, South Labuhanbatu Regency, on Thursday (August 28, 2025).

Both farmer groups warmly welcomed the program, recognizing its significant value for the advancement of oil palm farming in their area, particularly in Hutagodang Village.

Carrying the motto “As the Company Grows, Oil Palm Farmers Progress”, the training reflected the core principle of Mitra Hugo and Maju Bersama, both fostered by PT Sumber Tani Agung (STA) Sungai Dua Estate.

During the presentation on “Immature and Mature Oil Palm Cultivation” by experts from PPKS Seed Research Center, participants showed great enthusiasm as they listened attentively to the guidance provided.

The training was delivered in several sessions. An introductory session on oil palm, presented by Muhdan Syarovi, M.Sc., emphasized the importance of seed quality. He highlighted that poor-quality seedlings will not yield optimal results, stressing the need for careful seed selection prior to planting.

Rana Farrasari, M.Sc., a fertilization expert and U.S. graduate now working in PPKS research, added:

"Therefore, it is essential to manage oil palm properly and apply fertilizers in accordance with the nutrients required by the plant."

She further explained that achieving maximum yield requires consistent and precise fertilization, complemented by proper weed management.

"An oil palm plantation should not be overgrown with weeds, but it also should not be completely bare," she noted.

According to STA’s Corporate Communications representative, Biano Tamba, accompanied by Partnership Manager Marson Sihotang and Estate Manager Dhika Nugraha, this training marks the second time STA Sungai Dua Estate has provided cultivation training to Mitra Hugo and Maju Bersama farmer groups.

Over the past two years, since the seed distribution program in 2022, training activities have been conducted to further strengthen farmers’ knowledge and practices.

The event also featured remarks from Regional Controller, Sukrisdianto.

The Q&A session was highly interactive, with participants actively engaging and showing strong enthusiasm. This dynamic exchange reflected the importance of training in providing valuable knowledge for the future of oil palm farming.