North Tapanuli Launches Sijaba Agri-Zone to Court Young Farmers

RRI.CO.ID, Tapanuli Utara - North Tapanuli Regency Administration in North Sumatra officially inaugurated the Sijaba Integrated Agricultural Zone in Silaitlait Village on Tuesday, 15 September 2026, as a flagship initiative to draw younger generations into agribusiness. By deploying modern mechanization and guaranteeing downstream markets for harvests, authorities are seeking active collaboration with millennial farmers to address the region’s farmer regeneration crisis.

The effort was marked by a coordinated corn-planting movement across 10 hectares. It also formed part of the rollout of events commemorating the 81st anniversary of North Tapanuli Regency under the theme Sustainable Agriculture, Advanced North Tapanuli Economy.

The Head of the North Tapanuli Agriculture Agency, Freddy Viktor Siagian, conveyed that the Sijaba Integrated Agricultural Zone will extend beyond corn to incorporate various flagship commodities, livestock, and fisheries. To support this integrated development, the area will be reinforced through the application of modern agricultural technology and mechanization.

The regency administration plans to build supporting infrastructure, including farm access roads, deep groundwater irrigation systems, farmer shelters (saung tani), and other agricultural facilities. Beyond boosting productivity, the program is designed to encourage youth participation through structured collaboration with millennial farmers.

Local authorities hope the integrated zone’s management will serve as a replicable model for modern agricultural development in other parts of the regency.

North Tapanuli Regent, Jonius Taripar Parsaoran Hutabarat, stressed that the corn-planting program must not end at sowing. He said the regency administration will oversee the entire value chain, which are harvest, post-harvest handling, marketing, and downstream processing, so that agricultural outputs deliver greater added value for farmers.

“This integrated agricultural zone must become a model for regional agricultural development, from land management to farmer mentoring. That model includes the use of technology and mechanization, productivity gains, and assured marketing and downstreaming of farm products,” said Jonius on Tuesday, as quoted by Antara.

He directed the Agriculture Agency to provide measurable, targeted mentoring for the zone’s development, adding that Sijaba’s success is expected to be replicated across other agricultural areas in North Tapanuli. The regent also urged farmers to embrace agricultural technology and innovation, calling it essential to raise productivity, strengthen farmer self-reliance, and improve bargaining power within agricultural supply chains.

“What we are planting today is not just corn, but hope, food sovereignty, and prosperity for the people of North Tapanuli,” he said.

According to data from the North Tapanuli Agriculture Agency, corn planting area in 2024 totaled 24,355 hectares with production of 25,294.10 tons. In 2025, planted area was recorded at 21,990 hectares with production of 129,267.04 tons. For 2026, corn planting area is projected to reach 23,538 hectares, with estimated production of 129,692.64 tons.

The regency administration emphasized strengthening collaboration among government, farmers, youth, and other stakeholders as part of its strategy to reinforce food security and realize sustainable agricultural development.

Following the corn-planting movement, activities continued with a press conference led by the regent and regency officials. During the session, they outlined the development of the Sijaba Integrated Agricultural Zone, broader agricultural construction programs, and upcoming strategic administration agendas. ***