Government Prepares 280 Million Cocoa and Coconut Seedlings to Strengthen Plantations

Indonesia's government is launching a major initiative to strengthen its plantation sector by distributing approximately 280 million cocoa and coconut seedlings. This program, announced by the Minister of Agriculture and Head of the National Food Agency, Andi Amran Sulaiman, aims to boost national plantations and improve the livelihoods of farmers across the archipelago.

The distribution of superior seedlings is part of a broader government strategy to accelerate the development of strategic plantation commodities. These crops, including cocoa, coconut, sugarcane, nutmeg, and cashew, are cultivated across an estimated 870,000 hectares nationwide. Minister Sulaiman stated that this effort aligns with President Prabowo Subianto's directive to fortify agriculture and plantations as a cornerstone of future national economic development.

With strong demand from both domestic and international markets, particularly for high-value processed products, these commodities hold significant economic potential. The government is also facilitating downstream processing to ensure plantation yields serve as raw materials for domestic industries. This integrated approach seeks to enhance the economic value of agricultural products and bolster Indonesia's global competitiveness.

Specifically, Southeast Sulawesi province is set to receive around 38 million seedlings. The aid provided to farmers is comprehensive, covering seedling provision, land preparation, and planting, aiming to alleviate initial cost burdens. Minister Sulaiman anticipates this development and downstream processing program will generate at least three million permanent jobs within three years, fostering sustainable economic growth. He also noted the high quality of seedlings observed in Konawe Regency, suggesting it could serve as a model for other regions.