ASIATODAY.ID, KOLAKA – The national nickel mining company, PT Ceria Nugraha Indotama (Ceria) continues to show its consistency in supporting farmer group initiatives that develop sustainable and environmentally friendly agriculture.
This is in line with Ceria’s ESG principles in supporting food security around the PT Ceria nickel industry in Wolo District, Kolaka Regency, Southeast Sulawesi.
As a National Strategic Project (PSN) oriented towards producing green nickel products, PT Ceria, which is in the final stages of completing the ‘Merah Putih’ smelter, wants to ensure that the mining industry that is being developed supports each other with green agriculture initiated by the communities around the mine.
So far, there are two farmer groups assisted by PT Ceria that focus on implementing sustainable agricultural practices, namely the Anaiwoi Farmer Group and the Genjer Farmer Group. These two farmer groups apply farming methods that focus on ecological and economic sustainability. The main principle is the wise use of resources, such as organic fertilization, natural pest control, and environmentally friendly planting patterns.
The main goal is to achieve long-term food security without destroying biodiversity and environmental quality.
To strengthen sustainable agricultural practices by these farmers, PT Ceria collaborated with PT Petrokimia Gresik to carry out training, supervision and outreach on agricultural cultivation to the two farmer groups on 12–13 September 2024 at Sanggar Tani, Ulu Wolo Village.
The activity was initiated by the team ensuring the utilization of 3.2 tons of non-subsidized NPK Phonska Plus fertilizer and optimal application of the electric agricultural sprayer which had been previously distributed by PT Petrokimia Gresik and Ceria to farmers, in August 2024.
In this activity, PT Petrokimia Gresik also sent 1 (one) complete team along with a mobile soil testing laboratory unit to provide more comprehensive assistance. With the mobile soil testing unit team, farmers can directly find out the results of the soil analysis of their land and immediately get advice on using the right type of fertilizer for more efficient land use.
Adriantito Salim Lamo, Corporate Communication Manager and Interim Manager of the Community Development Department, said this activity aims to increase farmers’ knowledge so they can maximize agricultural yields through more efficient and sustainable agricultural practices.
“Farmers receive additional training and education regarding land management, especially regarding soil levels, effective fertilization, and determining optimal fertilization times,” he said.
Furthermore, Muhammad Bisma Usman as PT Petrokimia Gresik’s Soil Test Car Agronomist revealed that with the presence of a soil test car unit at this activity, it can support farmers to improve their agricultural practices through timely and relevant data.
“This facility can be accessed by farmers for free and farmers can immediately get the right information and help farmers in choosing the type of fertilizer that is most suitable for the conditions of their land,” he said.
This activity also received full support from the Wolo District Field Agricultural Extension Officer (PPL), who also provided guidance and assistance to the farmers.
“The presence of these PPLs is an important element in ensuring that the education provided can be implemented well by farmers in the field. “Without the presence of a soil testing car and assistance and support from Ceria and the Petrokimia Gresik expert team, it would be impossible for farmers to know the condition of the land and increase their crop yields,” said Abdul Karim, Head of Ulu Wolo Village.
Meanwhile, Head of Wolo Village, Abd. Rahman, revealed that Ceria and Petrokimia Gresik’s full support for farmers has made a strong contribution to food security in Wolo District.
“This educational activity about fertilization is very useful in maximizing harvest yields, so that it can improve farmers’ welfare and ensure more stable food availability in our region,” he said. (AT network)
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