A long-term plan is underway to test the grafting of Arabica to the Robusta species. There are some compelling reasons why it would be profitable to implement this grafting. The Arabica bean has the highest value-per-bean, compared to the Robusta. However, the Robusta produces more beans per tree than the Arabica and is more resilient to diseases and pests. Currently, the majority of community plantations in Mandailing Julu grow Robusta. It would be logical to graft Arabica to Robusta and could present a great opportunity for the local growers. The results of the grafting tests will be known in eighteen to twenty four months.
