Malaysia Should Consider Hybrid Oil Palm Materials Proven Successful In Colombia -- Industry Veteran

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 22 (Bernama) -- Malaysia should explore the introduction of hybrid oil palm materials proven successful in Colombia to combat diseases, said industry veteran Abdul Rahim Syed Mohd.

Abdul Rahim said in a statement that the introduction of hybrid materials should be tried in Ganorderma (fungal diseases) infected oil palm plantations.

“If we succeed in these trials, this would be a best bet to incorporate. Besides tackling Ganoderma, we can look towards other benefits such as high yields, shorter palms, high extraction rates, less loose fruit collection and a reduction in labour with extended harvesting rounds,” he said.

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Abdul Rahim, who has over five decades of experience in plantation management, recently attended the 21st International Oil Palm Conference in Cartagena, Colombia, where he observed the country’s significant progress in the oil palm sector.

He said Colombia’s success with the hybrid OxG palm, has revitalised the Latin American palm oil industry which once struggled with bud rot disease.

Abdul Rahim added that Colombia has already planted 609,000 hectares of oil palm, of which 89 per cent is in production in which the industry displays high agricultural standards, including the use of cover crops and field drip irrigation systems.

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He also commended Colombia’s strong focus on sustainability, with 99 per cent of its plantations deforestation-free and its greenhouse gas emission reduction exceeding international standards.

“It has adopted high sustainability standards such as respect for the environment, communities, human rights, decent work ethics and property rights,” he said.

Abdul Rahim’s visit was hosted by Fedepalma, the Colombian leading industry body, and leading plantation group La Cabana, where he engaged in discussions with Fedepalma president Nicolas Perez Marulanda and other industry leaders.

-- BERNAMA