IPB University Team and Partners Promote “Koronisasi” in Oil Palm Replanting Areas

IPB University, together with a number of partners, has successfully developed an innovative model called “Koronisasi” that enables intercropping between oil palm, koro beans, and IPB 9G rice. 

This model was developed through collaboration between IPB University, Wageningen University and Research (WUR) in the Netherlands, Lambung Mangkurat University (ULM), and PT Citra Putra Kebun Asri (CPKA). The IPB University team consists of Prof Sudradjat, Prof Nahrowi, Dr Hariyadi, and Prof Suria Darma Tarigan.

This activity is part of a collaboration between Indonesia and the Netherlands under the theme “SustainPalm: Sustainable Oil Palm.” The program aims to support sustainable oil palm production that aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The pilot project was conducted in Jorong Village, Tanah Laut Regency, South Kalimantan. The results were encouraging. The oil palm-koro intercropping system, which began in February 2023 and will run until February 2025, successfully achieved koro nut productivity of 2,5–3 tons per hectare with minimal fertilizer input.

The next phase, the oil palm-rice intercropping system, ran from April to July 23, 2025. The IPB 9G rice variety yielded approximately 3 tons per hectare. This potential yield is expected to increase further if there are no pest disturbances, particularly from the brown planthopper.

According to Prof Sudrajat, the term “koronisasi” was chosen because koro beans are the key element in this system. Koro plants can grow optimally and produce seeds in oil palm replanting areas. Their ability to form root nodules that fix nitrogen makes the soil more chemically fertile. 

“Additionally, koro roots improve soil structure, increase porosity, and enhance the soil’s water-holding capacity,” he explained.

Koro beans are planted first before rice is planted. Prof Sudrajat noted that this step aims to enhance soil fertility both physically and chemically. Based on his field experience, direct rice planting without prior koro cultivation often fails, especially on oil palm replanting land.

“The benefits of koro beans extend beyond land improvement. Koro seeds are high in protein (25–27%) and have potential as livestock feed. After processing, koro seeds can also be used for food products such as koro tempeh and fried koro snacks,” he revealed.

Prof Sudrajat noted that the success of planting IPB 9G rice on oil palm land during the non-productive phase (TBM)/first two years indicates significant potential for developing oil palm-rice intercropping in replanting areas. This model opens new horizons for optimizing oil palm land post-rejuvenation.

Local farmers’ support reinforces optimism. H Sariman and his wife, Sari, expressed their admiration that rice can grow well on oil palm replanting land, even when planted at the end of the rainy season (April–July). Typically, farmers plant upland rice from October to March. They plan to plant IPB 9G rice on a 3-hectare plot during the 2025/2026 rainy season.

Similar feedback came from company management. Ir Eko, Manager of PT CPKA, stated that the success of the 1,5-hectare oil palm-rice intercropping trial encouraged the company to expand the area to 10 hectares. The rice harvest is planned to meet the company’s internal food needs at a price 20–25% lower than the market price.

For Prof Sudrajat, the coronation model is highly compatible with the People’s Oil Palm Rehabilitation Program (PSR). During the non-productive period, farmers can generate income from the harvest of koro beans and rice. To expand its impact, he emphasized the need for partnership support through a pentahelix approach.

“SustainPalm is committed to implementing effective strategies to promote sustainability throughout the palm oil production process. The strategy focuses on efficient and effective land use through intercropping palm oil with food crops,” he explained. 

As a result, he hopes this program can enhance farmers’ livelihood resilience and generate income through land-based productivity improvements. (*/RZ) (IAAS/FMT)