Unsri Palembang is developing porang cultivation as a intercrop

According to her, three types of planting material can be used to cultivate porang (Amorphopalus mueleri Blume): seeds, bulblets, and tubers.

These three planting materials are currently being studied by Unsri doctoral student Dora Fatma Nurshanti to determine their respective advantages and which is best suited for cultivation in the South Sumatra region, particularly in Ogan Komering Ulu Regency, which has many smallholder rubber plantations, he said.

She explained that the porang plant is currently being cultivated in Banyuasin Regency, Ogan Komering Ulu, and several other areas in South Sumatra—both as an intercrop under rubber trees and on vacant land cleared specifically for porang cultivation.

Porang, which is a type of tuber, has many medicinal properties and derivative products used in food, industry, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.

Given the numerous benefits and derivative products, as well as the high demand in both the domestic and export markets, the development of porang cultivation holds great potential, said Prof. Benyamin, who also serves as Chair of the South Sumatra Regional Research Council.

Dora Fatma Nurshanti, a doctoral student at Unsri Palembang, explained that she is interested in researching the porang plant because it has significant economic value and promising prospects, which could improve the well-being of farmers and the general public.