Malaysian Oil Palm Industry

• Main Author: Jalani Sukaimi
• Format: Book
• Language: English
• Published: Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia 2012
• Subjects: Palm oil industry > Malaysia; Oil palm > Malaysia
• Online Access: http://ddms.usim.edu.my/handle/123456789/5704

The modern oil palm industry of the world was sown when the first four oil palm trees in the Far East were planted in Bogor in 1848, i.e., 164 years ago, as ornamental plants. It was from here that oil palm, six decades later, became as estate crop and now gaining prominence as an industrial crop. The impact of the industry is well-documented, giving a socio-economic uplift to the producing countries, especially Malaysia and Indonesia. The oil yield has improved from an average of 0.18 t/ha in the wild groves of Africa to a national average yield of 4.01 t/ha in Malaysia. There have been continuous yield improvements both in estate yield and experimental yield, by improving the progenies of four Bogor palms as well as by introgressing the progenies of Bogor palms with elite germplasm materials, especially from Africa. The industry produces two types of oil, i.e., palm oil and palm kernel oil. The main use, almost 90%, of the oil is for food purposes and the other 10% is for non-food purposes (either via direct or olechemical routes). There is a need to improve and diversify both uses to enhance the versatility and competitiveness of the oil. R & D has been one of the reasons for the success story of the oil palm industry. There have been many improvements, amongst others, in the agronomic practices, yield, control of pests and diseases, increase labour productivity, plantation management, and mill efficiency. However, the industry faces many issues and challenges, especially in going into this millennium. Yield gaps between national, estate, experimental and theoretical yield are still wide. Level of mechanization is still low and field operation efficiency is still meager compared to annual oil crops. Only 10% (oil) of total dry matter is being utilized annually and only a small portion of other dry matter (lignocelluloses) is being used economically. Some producing countries have acute labour and land shortages, raising cost of production, inefficient smallholdings and competition from other oils and fats. The industry is also facing many barriers, both trade and non-trade, especially from the environmental groups. There is a need for the industry to continue its eco-friendly and practice sustainable agriculture activities. R & D would play an important role in finding solutions to these issues and challenges. There is a need for both step-wise and quantum leap technologies to propel the industry into next half of this millennium. There will be many breakthroughs, either through adaptation, adoption or innovation of technologies. There will be a greater need for technologies transfer and commercialisation of these technologies. With the increase in world population, increase in affluence or improving incomes, growing economies, urbanization, and other demands, palm oil will continue to play a vital role in the world of oils and fats. Oil palm will therefore, continue as a golden crop.