PGN Pagar Dewa Encourages Rubber Farmers to Implement Agroforestry

Pagar Dewa – The Wanatani program, also known as agroforestry, is one of the strategic efforts undertaken by farmers in Pagar Dewa Village to utilize land that is undergoing rubber rejuvenation. This program has become a flagship activity involving members of the Padetra Artomulyo Cooperative and the Siaga Farmers Group, both of which are supported by PT Perusahaan Gas Negara Tbk (PGN) – Pagar Dewa Gas Compressor Station.

Agroforestry is a farming technique that combines trees with agricultural crops on the same plot of land. In Pagar Dewa Village, this program is applied to land that is being rejuvenated with rubber trees. By utilizing this land, farmers can not only tap rubber but also generate additional income from other crops.

In the Wanatani program, farmers have planted watermelon and chili on an area of 1.5 hectares. For watermelon, they chose the Red Beauty (Inul) variety, with two main variants: Bonita and Mardi. This Inul watermelon is known for its small, elongated shape and sweet taste. Additionally, farmers have also planted seedless watermelon as a product variation.

Currently, the watermelon planting has entered its second harvest period. In the first harvest, farmers produced 10 tons of watermelon, with 6 tons distributed to Jakarta's markets. As for the second harvest, which took place on August 12, 2024, 7 tons of watermelon were harvested and it is expected to continue.

Fajriyah Usman, PGN’s Corporate Secretary, emphasized that PGN supports empowerment programs like Wanatani, which has become part of PGN's commitment to contributing positively to the community. PGN has actively participated in various initiatives that focus on improving the welfare of farmers and sustainable resource management.

"It is our responsibility at PGN to contribute to programs that support the improvement of community welfare, including in the Wanatani activity," said Fajriyah.

The Wanatani program aims to increase the income of rubber farmers through income diversification and optimizing the benefits of plantation land. This step is also in line with the sustainability principles promoted by the Global Platform of Sustainable Natural Rubber (GPSNR), a global initiative that encourages sustainable natural rubber production. PGN will continue to support every step toward the success of the Wanatani program.

Meanwhile, Tugiwan Aliestono, a rubber farmer involved in the Wanatani program, expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the support provided by PGN – Pagar Dewa Gas Compressor Station.

"We are very grateful for the assistance provided by PGN in this Wanatani program. This program has not only helped us make better use of the land, but it also provides additional income for our families," said Tugiwan.

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