Medan, September 9, 2026 — The Faculty of Agriculture (FP), Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), together with PT Perkebunan Nusantara (PTPN) IV Regional 2 and the Contact Group of Leading Farmers and Fishermen (KTNA) of Langkat Regency, discussed the development of food crop agriculture, particularly soybeans, at the PTPN IV Regional 2 Office on Wednesday (September 9, 2026).

The discussion was an important part of supporting the implementation of the 2026 Soybean Food Security Program. The meeting discussed various aspects of soybean development, ranging from the condition of food crop agriculture, cultivation techniques, land utilization, and agricultural technology, to the challenges faced by farmers in developing soybean commodities.

Region Head of PTPN IV Regional 2, Budi Santoso, stated that soybean development is part of the company’s efforts to optimize areas that can be utilized for food crops. So far, most of PTPN IV Regional 2’s business activities have focused on oil palm commodities, while the development of food crops is one of the efforts to support the company’s mandate to strengthen food security.

“We realize that soybeans are one of the strategic food commodities and that national demand is quite high. Therefore, we have been asked to strengthen food-producing areas, one of which is through soybean cultivation,” he said.

During the discussion, PTPN IV Regional 2 also emphasized the need for technical assistance from higher education institutions. FP USU’s experience in food crop agriculture is expected to support the company and farmer groups in implementing appropriate technologies and cultivation methods so that soybean productivity can be increased.

Meanwhile, Chairman of KTNA Langkat Regency, Sartono Amnas, stated that one of the challenges in soybean development is farmers’ interest. According to him, farmers have tended to choose rice and corn, which are considered to have more attractive economic prospects.

“We are very pleased to be able to integrate into the development of oil palm and soybean crops. However, price remains a challenge. We hope there will be support so that this program can run well,” he said.

Sartono also expressed KTNA Langkat Regency’s readiness to be involved in the program. He hoped that the cooperation established would open up broader opportunities for the farming community and provide tangible economic benefits.

The Dean of FP USU considered the discussion important for bringing together the perspectives of academics, industry, and farmers. According to the Dean, soybean development needs to be carried out comprehensively, not only in terms of production but also human resources, technology, assistance, and the economic sustainability of farmers.

“We want this relationship to involve not only higher education institutions and industry but also the community. We also want to send students and lecturers to conduct field-based learning and community service,” he explained.

Furthermore, FP USU will encourage the involvement of study programs and the academic community in developing assistance programs that are aligned with field needs. The collaboration is expected to bring together academic expertise with farmers’ practical experience and PTPN IV Regional 2’s land management capacity.

Through the discussion and collaboration, the three parties are expected to develop an adaptive soybean development model based on science and technology that provides benefits to the community. In addition to supporting food availability, soybean development is also expected to create economic opportunities and strengthen the agricultural ecosystem in North Sumatra.

This activity is in line with SDG 2: Zero Hunger by strengthening food production and food security, SDG 4: Quality Education through field-based learning and assistance, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals through collaboration among higher education institutions, businesses, and farmer groups to achieve sustainable agricultural development.