Farmers in Warungkiara District have succeeded in optimizing land use for Agrarian Reform Object Land (TORA) by planting thousands of export quality cavendish banana trees, especially in Kampung Lio, Sirnajaya Village, Sukabumi Regency.

Umar Wirahadikusumah, one of the farmers working on TORA land in Kampung Lio, revealed that to produce high quality cavendish banana farming, he and other farmers have received continuous education and guidance from PT Great Giant Pineapple (PT GGP). “All processes are carried out carefully in order to produce cavendish bananas of superior quality,” said Umar.

Umar also added that the existence of land for Cavendish banana plantations is very beneficial for local farmers and the surrounding community, because it can improve the economy of local residents. “The initial stage from planting to harvest takes about one year, but after that, in the second year, these banana trees can be harvested twice a year,” he explained.

PT GGP’s Person In Charge (PIC) for the Sukabumi area, Muhammad Fikrul Ilmi Nasiruddin, explained that the land currently used by farmers was previously an abandoned plantation whose operational permit had not been renewed. Since 2022, this land will be distributed to the community, especially sharecroppers, to plant Cavendish banana seeds. “To ensure maximum harvest results, PT GGP directly provides knowledge and technical assistance to cultivating farmers,” said Fikrul. Fikrul also said that the PT GGP team routinely provides education to farmers about the procedures that must be followed to produce high quality bananas, including the washing, selection and weighing stages. Currently, the land managed by the community covers 10.7 hectares, with approximately 13 thousand banana trees managed by farmers.