MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM - The Labuhanbatu Selatan Regency Government continues to strengthen its commitment to improving the quality of human resources among smallholder farmers in the palm oil sector. This effort was realized through the opening of palm oil cultivation training under the Human Resource Development Program for Palm Oil Farmers. The event was officially opened on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at Le Polonia & Convention Medan Hotel by the Regent of Labuhanbatu Selatan, Fery Sahputra Simatupang, S.H.
The training was funded by the Indonesian Palm Oil Plantation Fund Management Agency (BPDP) and organized by LPP Agro Nusantara. It represents a strategic step toward developing modern, independent, and responsible palm oil farmers. Participants received knowledge, technical skills, and training on the implementation of sustainable palm oil cultivation practices and the use of modern agricultural technologies.
The event was also attended by the Regional Secretary of Labuhanbatu Selatan, M. Reza Pahlevi Nasution; Head of the North Sumatra Provincial Agriculture and Food Security Agency, Fariz Haholongan Hutagalung, S.STP., M.Si.; Head of the Labuhanbatu Selatan Agriculture and Food Security Agency; representatives of LPP Agro Nusantara management, Wagino; and hundreds of training participants.
Fery Sahputra Encourages Professional
Palm Oil FarmersIn his speech, Labuhanbatu Selatan Regent Fery Sahputra Simatupang emphasized that the palm oil sector is one of the key pillars supporting the economic development of communities in the region.
According to him, improving the quality of human resources among palm oil farmers is an important investment in creating productive, efficient, and competitive smallholder plantations. Farmers must be able to manage their plantations using modern approaches by mastering cultivation techniques, understanding the use of technology, and implementing proper plantation management.
"I want to see palm oil farmers in Labuhanbatu Selatan become modern farmers. Farmers who are able to calculate production costs, understand the importance of quality seeds, apply proper fertilization, utilize technology, protect the environment, and create plantations that remain productive for decades," Fery Sahputra said.
Fery Sahputra encouraged farmers to strengthen organization and cooperation within agricultural groups so they can gain better access to various support programs, including training, financing opportunities, technology assistance, and marketing of plantation products.
He explained that the success of a palm oil farmer should not only be measured by the amount of harvest produced but also by the ability to manage plantation operations to improve family welfare through knowledge, hard work, and sustainable management.
Fery Sahputra expressed his hope that the training conducted by LPP Agro Nusantara would not only produce participants who receive certificates but also farmers who are able to apply the knowledge gained in their daily plantation activities.
"If you come here today with enthusiasm, then later return home with knowledge. If you come here alone today, then go home with the spirit to invite other farmers to move forward together," he said.
The opening of the training was symbolically marked by the striking of a gong by
Fery Sahputra Simatupang. The ceremony signified the beginning of the capacity-building program for palm oil farmers in
Labuhanbatu Selatan.
CALL TO STRENGTHEN FARMER GROUPS: Labuhanbatu Selatan Regent Fery Sahputra Simatupang encourages palm oil farmers to build strong agricultural groups, master modern cultivation technologies, and implement professional plantation management to increase productivity and family welfare. (PHOTO: Jhon Fitra Sagala)
Accurate Data Strengthens Palm Oil Replanting Program
The Head of the North Sumatra Provincial Agriculture and Food Security Agency, Fariz Haholongan Hutagalung, emphasized that data accuracy is a crucial factor in planning, implementing, and evaluating various development programs in the plantation sector, including the Smallholder Palm Oil Replanting Program (PSR).
According to Fariz, accurate data is not merely administrative documentation but serves as an important foundation for the government to formulate targeted policies and provide direct benefits to farmers.
"Good planning comes from accurate data. With valid data, the PSR program can be implemented faster and more transparently while contributing to improving farmers' welfare," Fariz explained.
He stressed that providing accurate data also reflects responsibility and trust in the implementation of development programs. Valid data enables the government to make fair policy decisions and create positive impacts for society.
The Smallholder Palm Oil Replanting Program is a government strategy aimed at increasing the productivity of community plantations by replacing old or unproductive palm oil trees.
Through this program, the government expects farmers to increase production, improve their economic conditions, and strengthen the competitiveness of Indonesia's palm oil sector.
VALIDATED DATA AS THE KEY TO PALM OIL REPLANTING: Head of the North Sumatra Provincial Agriculture and Food Security Agency Fariz Haholongan Hutagalung explains that accurate data is essential to accelerate the Smallholder Palm Oil Replanting Program (PSR), ensuring targeted, transparent, and effective implementation for farmers' welfare. (PHOTO: Jhon Fitra Sagala)
Collaboration for Sustainable Palm Oil Plantations
The Labuhanbatu Selatan Regency Government continues to strengthen cooperation with various stakeholders to develop a sustainable palm oil sector.
Through human resource development training for palm oil farmers, the regional government is working to equip farmers with technical skills, entrepreneurial knowledge, and environmental awareness.
This activity is part of efforts to implement the spirit of "We Build, We Protect, We Preserve" by improving farmers' capabilities, maintaining plantation productivity, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the palm oil sector.
The collaboration between the
Labuhanbatu Selatan Regency Government, North Sumatra Provincial Government,
BPDP, LPP Agro Nusantara, farmer groups, and all related stakeholders is expected to produce professional and prosperous palm oil farmers who can provide broad benefits for the community and regional economy.
(IDNC)REPORTER: Jhon Fitra Sagala | EDITOR: Fik Sagala