Obrolan Bisnis has reported on the work of Asian Agri to empower the local community in Perlabian Village.
Since 2016 Asian Agri has provided training on best practices in oil palm management in order to boost yields, while also providing alternative sources of income such as fish farming.
“The cooperation has been realized with Asian Agri in the form of training, socialization and various activities that are touching the community,” said Irhamsyah, the village head.
The majority of the villagers are oil palm smallholders, but had little knowledge of farming best practices, said Irhamsyah.
“So far, the people don’t know how to manage the palm oil in a way that’s good and right. Asian Agri provided training in palm oil management which has brought a change in the mindset of independent smallholders. As a result, the productivity of oil palms increased dramatically, “he said.
As well as training on palm oil management, Asian Agri also trains the Perlabian community to raise catfish, enabling them to earn additional income.
Akmad Rizaldi Syah, Head of the Anugerah Jaya Mandiri Sejahtera Cooperative, said that he is very grateful to Asian Agri.
“The company is very open to working together with independent smallholders. The programs conducted by Asian Agri are a good way to improve the people’s welfare, “he said.
