SGI Holds BFFD in East Kolaka – Strengthening Sulawesi’s Rice Potential

About Event

SGI - What could be more convincing for farmers than seeing the results directly in the field?

SGI Friends, agriculture is not only about discussing theories, products, or technology. For farmers, results that can be seen directly in the field become one of the important foundations for assessing whether a cultivation method is suitable for the needs of the crops and the conditions of the land.

This spirit was carried by PT Sinar General Industries through the BFFD activity held in Ladongi District, East Kolaka Regency, Southeast Sulawesi. The activity, which took place on Wednesday and Thursday, September 9–10, 2026, was attended by more than 250 farmers together with the Sulawesi Regional Team.

BFFD SGI Brings the Company Closer to Farmers in East Kolaka

The BFFD activity was designed to provide farmers with agricultural information that is easy to understand and closely related to the everyday challenges they face in the fields. One of its main objectives was to provide new agricultural information while also showing tangible results from the implementation of PT Sinar General Industries’ rice crop technology package.

For SGI Friends, this field-based approach is important because conditions vary from one area of farmland to another. Differences in water sources, soil conditions, fertilization patterns, crop age, weather, and pest and disease pressure can lead to different crop conditions. Therefore, farmers need a learning space that allows them to observe, ask questions, compare, and assess based on real conditions.

More Than 250 Farmers Participated in the BFFD Activity

The enthusiasm of farmers was evident from the attendance of more than 250 participants at the BFFD activity in Ladongi. Their participation shows that field activities remain an important means of bringing agricultural knowledge and technology closer to farmers.

The activity did not consist only of presentations. Participants were also invited to observe crop conditions directly. This made the learning process more practical because the discussion was based on crops growing in the field rather than merely explanations delivered indoors.

Observing the Comparison Between SGI Demonstration Plots and Farmers’ Control Plots

One of the main agendas of the BFFD activity was to present a comparison between PT Sinar General Industries’ demonstration plots and farmers’ control plots. This comparison gave participants the opportunity to directly observe crop conditions and understand how the application of cultivation technology can influence crop growth.

Farmers could observe leaf conditions, tiller growth, crop uniformity, plant health, and other factors visible in the field. Through this approach, the discussion became more concrete and could serve as a consideration before farmers apply suitable methods to their respective farmland.

Demonstration plots are also important as a place for shared learning. Results seen directly in the field can encourage more specific questions, for example regarding application timing, crop protection requirements, fertilization, or steps that need to be taken when signs of crop problems begin to appear.

Discussion on Rice Pest and Disease Control

Rice crops face various risks throughout their growth period. Pests and diseases are among the factors that need to be observed from an early stage because problems that are handled too late can affect crop development and yields.

During the BFFD activity, farmers were given the opportunity to discuss pest and disease control in rice crops. Discussions like these are important so that farmers not only become familiar with products but also understand the importance of identifying problems before determining control measures.

East Kolaka Has Great Potential as a Rice-Producing Region

The implementation of BFFD in East Kolaka has a strong reason behind it. Based on data from Statistics Indonesia of Southeast Sulawesi Province, rice production in East Kolaka Regency reached 108,666 tons of dry milled grain with a harvested area of approximately 23,613 hectares. Average productivity reached 46.02 quintals per hectare.

These figures show that the rice farming sector plays an important role in the region. With a large harvested area and substantial production, increasing productivity, improving cultivation efficiency, and strengthening crop protection are important aspects of maintaining the sustainability of rice farming.

This potential is also one of the reasons why improving farmers’ knowledge needs to be continuously encouraged. Productivity is not determined by just one factor. Water availability, seed quality, nutrient management, pest and disease control, production inputs, and the timing of cultivation activities are interconnected in determining the final results.

Modern Agriculture Is Beginning to Develop in East Kolaka

East Kolaka is also one of the regions that has begun encouraging the implementation of modern agriculture. Based on data from BRMP Southeast Sulawesi, a 100-hectare modern rice planting program is being supervised in East Kolaka Regency. The program is aimed at increasing productivity while supporting national food self-sufficiency.

In its implementation, the modern agriculture program involves farmer groups and the use of various technologies, including superior Inbrida Mekongga seeds, tractors, agricultural drones, and direct seeding equipment. Farmers also receive support in the form of agricultural inputs such as dolomite, herbicides, and plant growth enhancers.

The yield target under the program reaches 10 tons per hectare. East Kolaka was selected because it is considered ready to adopt modern agricultural technology and has rice-growing potential that supports increased food production.

This development shows that agriculture in East Kolaka is moving toward broader use of technology. However, technology still needs to go hand in hand with farmers’ knowledge, proper land management, appropriate production inputs, and field assistance.

Challenges Faced by Rice Farmers in East Kolaka Still Need Attention

The region’s strong agricultural potential does not mean that farmers in East Kolaka are free from challenges. Some of the issues still faced by farmers include the need to improve irrigation, upgrade farm roads, address limited agricultural equipment, deal with high pesticide prices, overcome diesel fuel shortages for hand tractors, and respond to reduced water discharge due to El Niño.

BFFD Becomes a Place for Farmers to Learn Directly from the Field

The main value of BFFD lies not only in the number of participants, but also in the learning process that takes place in the field. Farmers are able to observe results, ask questions, make comparisons, and discuss based on real crop conditions.

SGI also conducted product introductions so that farmers could become familiar with the solutions available to support crop cultivation. However, successful cultivation still requires a comprehensive approach. Quality products need to be used for the right problems, at the appropriate time, at the correct dosage, and supported by good crop management.

Activities such as BFFD are expected to help narrow the gap between technical information and farmers’ daily practices. When information can be seen and proven directly in the field, farmers have a clearer basis for evaluating their cultivation practices.

From Ladongi for More Productive Agriculture

BFFD SGI in Ladongi shows that improving agricultural productivity can begin with a simple process: farmers meet, observe crop conditions, discuss, and learn directly from the field.

More than 250 farmers who attended became part of this knowledge-sharing process. Amid East Kolaka’s significant rice potential and the growing adoption of modern agricultural technology, field activities serve as an important means of helping farmers access information that is closely connected to real conditions.

It is hoped that the knowledge gained during the BFFD activity will not end when the event is over. The information can serve as additional consideration for farmers in managing crops, using production inputs, controlling pests and diseases, and improving farming efficiency.

SGI Continues to Support Indonesian Farmers

PT Sinar General Industries remains committed to providing solutions for farmers through the provision of quality products that support crop growth and improve agricultural productivity.

Through activities such as BFFD, SGI seeks to become closer to farmers, understand the challenges they face in the field, and provide opportunities to share information about crop cultivation and crop protection.

If SGI Friends need information about quality fertilizer and pesticide solutions for various types of crops, consult your agricultural needs with us. Visit Our Website to obtain information about products, consultation services, and agricultural solutions that suit your farming needs.