Palm Plantation Tribune Vol 3 No 3 by mapsglobe

PALM PLANTATION TRIBUNE

REPLANTING STRATEGIES FOR COMPETITIVE EDGE

Palm Plantation Tribune

Palm Oil Tribune

Palm Downstream Tribune

Next Chapter Media

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"The Malaysian palm oil industry faces urgent replanting needs as aging trees threaten productivity. By 2027, one in three trees may be difficult to harvest. The government should provide tax incentives for private sector to encourage large-scale replanting footprint, ensuring the sector’s sustainability and economic contributions while balancing immediate profits with long-term viability".

Govt will en sure oil palm industr y me ets global standa rds, says Johari

(21 August 2024)

Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, Plantation and Commodities Minister, emphasised the need for stringent standards in oil palm cultivation to avoid the decline seen in the rubber and cocoa sectors. He stressed the importance of adhering to international environmental and labour standards to prevent barriers to Malaysian palm oil exports. Johari highlighted the necessity of high-quality inputs like fertilisers and seeds for e ective plantation management. He also noted Malaysia's heavy reliance on imported rubber and cocoa, costing RM6 billion and RM7.8 billion annually, respectively. By improving policies and management, Johari aims to reduce import dependence, boost the economy and create jobs.

Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, Plantation and Commodities Minister, has urged the Sustainable Oil Palm Growers Cooperatives (KPSM) to actively address the issue of abandoned palm plantations. With 1.7 million hectares of oil palms over 19 years old, Johari highlighted the need for urgent replanting to boost production, which has declined from 19.6 million tonnes to 18.5 million tonnes over the past decade. Currently, replanting rates are only 1.8% annually, far below the recommended 4-5%. e government aims to replant 9,000 hectares by next year and is seeking nancial support to ensure sustainable practices among smallholders and to expand into new markets.

Johari: Cooperatives need to

'Orang utan diplomacy' plan shelved, says Johari (18 August 2024)

Malaysia has committed to halting new oil palm plantations in forested areas to uphold sustainability and preserve its 54% forest cover.

Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, Plantation and Commodities Minister, announced that fresh fruit bunches from deforested regions will be barred from mills, which will be prohibited from exporting or selling such products. is policy aims to protect biodiversity and orangutans while addressing criticisms from Western countries about oil palm sustainability. e Minister emphasised that Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certi cation will be mandatory for all producers to ensure adherence to sustainability standards and maintain the sector’s economic contributions, including RM100 billion in export revenue.

Johari: Malaysia to halt new oil palm plantations to preserve forest cover

MPOC

s focus to alternative markets amid rising EU costs

With the European Union’s Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) raising business costs in Europe, the Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) is seeking new markets, including India, China, ASEAN, Africa, and the Middle East. MPOC CEO Belvinder Kaur Sron highlighted that while Europe is a key market, the EUDR's stringent traceability and geolocation requirements could impose up to US$1.5 billion in compliance costs and present signi cant challenges, especially for smallholders. Despite these obstacles, Malaysia is advancing its Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) standard to align with EUDR demands. MPOC is working to address compliance gaps and promote MSPO’s acceptance in the EU.

(18 August 2024)

shi

(22 August 2024)

Nigeria and Indonesia have forged a strategic partnership to advance palm oil production through a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Signed in Abuja by the National Palm Produce Association of Nigeria (NPPAN) and the Indonesian Palm Oil Association (GAPKI), this agreement aims to modernise the traditional farming method practices, enhance market opportunities, and boost incomes for smallholder farmers.

NPPAN President Alphonsus Inyang highlighted that the MoU’s bene ts for Nigerian farmers. GAPKI Chairman Mr. Eddy Martono rea rmed Indonesia’s support, viewing the partnership as a strategic move to expand Indonesia's market presence and strengthen bilateral ties. Deputy Secretary-General Lolita Bangun noted Nigeria’s investment potential, comparing it to IndoMie’s success in the market.

Nigeria and Indonesia Forge Strategic Partnership Towards Modernisation

(2 September 2024)

SawitPRO li s smallholder productivity through Dokter Sawit educational platform

(3 September 2024)

Indonesia's palm oil sector faces a 60% productivity gap between smallholders and companies, highlighting the need for improvement in farming practices. SawitPRO has responded by launching Dokter Sawit, an online platform providing vital agricultural education and training to oil palm smallholders. is platform aims to enhance Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and increase crop yields by o ering guidance on cultivation, fertilisation, and pest control. Accessible through the Petani SawitPRO app, Dokter Sawit connects smallholders with expert agronomists, improving productivity and pro tability through technology-driven solutions.

Malaysia: Current Buzz

Cost is inclusive of around 7,000 - 8,000 RM/ha of indirect charges and depreciations relating to replanting programmes i e. age ncy fee, s alaries, workers, related cost, vehicle running etc.

If planter use 50% clonal (RM60) vs 50% seedling (RM18), the difference is about 3,000 RM/ha

Source : MPOA Seminar on Replanting, Sandakan, April 2024

All-In Total Estimated C ost of Replanting (RM/ha) to Maturity (Year 202 3/24)

Malaysia: Current Buzz

e Malaysian palm oil industry is a major economic driver for the nation, playing a crucial role in rural development, poverty alleviation, job creation, generating foreign exchange and government tax revenues. With 5.6 million hectares of planted oil palm or just 0.1% of the global agricultural land area, the industry supports an extensive supply chain and is responsible for 20% of the world’s edible oil and fat exports and contributing over RM100 billion in annual revenue.

Despite its economic signi cance, the sector faces unique challenges. It operates under a commodity price-taking model and relies on the biological and perennial nature of oil palm trees. is necessitates ongoing investments, still labour-intensive practices, and managing a complex but interlinked supply chain.

Ensuring the sustainability and optimal age pro le of Malaysia's oil palm plantations is more critical than ever to maintain competitive output levels. Replanting ageing and unproductive oil palm trees is essential to keep the industry viable and productive.

To address this need, growers urgently require a dedicated budget for replanting initiatives. e government should introduce tax incentives to support large-scale replanting e orts by major private sector players, who manage extensive plantations, as well as continue supporting replanting e orts by smallholders. is comprehensive approach will accelerate the rejuvenation of Malaysia’s oil palm sector and sustain its economic contribution.

Oil palm growers are currently implementing annual replanting programmes, but a signi cantly expanded e ort is urgently needed. Accelerating replanting across the private sector is crucial to cover a larger replanting footprint and to ensure the sustainability of the oil palm industry. is expanded replanting will help sustain a robust supply chain and enhance productivity by integrating new planting materials and adopting advanced agricultural practices. Embracing best- tting, innovative and cost-e ective technologies are essential to achieving these goals and securing the sector's future. Implementing e ective training programmes and educating young planters on best practices for replanting is essential. is will ensure they acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to execute successful replanting strategies.

e national problem statement for replanting is underscored by alarming statistics: over 1.6 million hectares of oil palm trees in Malaysia are 20 years old or older, representing 28% of the total planted area, and more than 660,000 hectares are 25 years or older, accounting for 12%. e challenge is further exacerbated by the lack of e ective mechanisation solutions, particularly for harvesting bunches from tall, ageing palms and collection of loose fruits. is de ciency contributes to declining yields and increased crop losses, especially in scenarios involving tall palm trees.

If the current replanting rate, which is less than 2% per annum of the total planted area, continues, by Year 2027 nearly 2 million hectares - 35% of the total planted area - will consist of oil palm trees that are 20 years old or older. is means that approximately one in three oil palm trees in Malaysia will become increasingly di cult to harvest productively, resulting in lower yields or higher losses can be anticipated.

Currently, replanting costs range from RM20,000 to RM30,000 per hectare, depending on terrain and practices. To initiate the replanting of oil palm trees that are 25 years old and older, and using a conservative estimate of RM20,000 per hectare, the total cost would exceed RM13 billion. Notwithstanding, this substantial investment is necessary to rejuvenate the sector and ensure its long-term sustainability.

Malaysia: Current Buzz

Given the current national replanting rates, growers are inclined to postpone replanting due to relatively high CPO prices, choosing to maximise their revenue while costs remain elevated and replant only when absolutely necessary. Although this strategy may appear commercially advantageous, it presents signi cant challenges for the industry as a whole in the long term. From the government’s perspective, the situation is more urgent. Delays in replanting could lead to substantial declines in tax revenues, a ecting the entire supply chain. Growers' reluctance to invest in necessary replanting presents a signi cant challenge.

To address the replanting conundrum, the government must implement measures to incentivise replanting. To address this, the government must nd a balance between ‘enforcing’ replanting requirements and o ering appealing incentives to support progress. is is a complex issue with no straightforward solution. A resolution that bene ts all stakeholders is crucial, as failure to replant in the upstream sector will inevitably impact downstream industries, leading to widespread supply chain disruptions. erefore, it is essential to develop a pragmatic, long-term replanting strategy that addresses the concerns and priorities of all parties involved to ensure a stable and thriving industry. us, an accelerated national replanting programme is essential to ensure the sector's long-term viability and sustaining a healthy age pro le.

Given the ageing pro le of oil palm trees, growers should advocate for the government to provide replanting tax support to incentivise larger-scale, accelerated replanting e orts by the private sector. Currently, upstream estates and plantation companies, which are vital to the rejuvenation of oil palm cultivation and integral to the supply chain, are excluded from the government’s reinvestment allowance (RA). To address this, the RA tax incentive (or other tax incentive mechanisms) should be expanded to cover oil palm replanting and allow its use against the company’s statutory income. Replanting should be viewed not just as an expense but as a strategic investment in industry productivity, GDP growth and future tax revenue. By supporting this initiative, the government would facilitate a substantial boost in oil palm productivity, enhance the nation's GDP and strengthen future tax revenues. is approach represents a short-term investment for signi cant long-term bene ts.

Under typical conditions, growers generally follow a pragmatic replanting rate of 4% to 5% per year. To e ectively encourage accelerated replanting and ensure fairness, the government could consider providing targeted incentives for growers who meet this standard rate and o er additional tax bene ts for those who exceed their usual targets. For instance, take a grower entity, who manages 10,000 hectares of oil palm plantations. With a standard replanting rate of 4%, this would translate to 400 hectares annually. If this particular grower increases its replanting rate to say, 6%, replanting 600 hectares a particular year, they should qualify for a 100% reinvestment allowance on the additional 200 hectares beyond the standard replanting threshold. is targeted approach, which o ers rewards for exceeding the standard replanting threshold, has the potential to greatly boost replanting e orts and drive progress within the oil palm sector. By aligning incentives with increased replanting rates, it may also secure stronger support and buy-in from the government.

e paradox of replanting decisions lies in the tendency for immediate nancial gains to overshadow the need for long-term investment in replanting, despite its critical role in ensuring sectorial sustainability. A strategic replanting approach, aligned with the planting cycle, is essential to maintain a balanced age pro le in plantations on the national basis, thereby mitigating risks and enhancing resilience of the sector. e challenge is securing adequate funding to drive and support a well-planned replanting programme that balances short-term nancial bene ts with long-term industry vitality. is underscores the need for both foresight and scal prudence. It is time for a concerted e ort by all relevant stakeholders to implement a national accelerated replanting programme, ensuring the sustainability and continued prosperity of the Malaysian palm oil sector.

Source: Keynote Address by Mr Joseph Tek at the MPOA Seminar on Replanting held in Sandakan, Sabah on 27 April 2024

Palm oil stands as a testament to human ingenuity and agricultural excellence, ranking among the top ten vegetable oils traded globally. With a history spanning over 5,000 years, it is now a staple in 1 in 10 food products on grocery shelves worldwide. is versatile oil is a crucial yet o en overlooked component of our modern food systems.

In Malaysia, the oil palm industry is a source of national pride. Over the past 67 years since independence, Malaysia has become a global leader in palm oil production and export, driving socio-economic prosperity and ensuring political stability. e industry's growth has profoundly improved the lives of many, particularly in rural areas and among smallholders.

Despite these signi cant contributions, the full impact of Malaysian palm oil is frequently undervalued. e debate around oil palm o en swings between viewing it as a blessing or a detriment. As one of nature’s gi s, palm oil o ers the golden opportunity to provide a meaningful and positive impact on the global landscape.

In the pursuit of sustainable development, true progress must address not just environmental concerns but also social and economic dimensions.

e 1987 Brundtland Report, "Our Common Future," emphasises that sustainability involves a holistic approach integrating these three aspects. For developing countries, development should be central to sustainability discussions, ensuring that progress is both green and equitable.

e "Triple Bottom Line" of Planet, People, and Pro t is a popular sustainability framework but o en re ects the priorities of developed nations. For developing countries, especially those reliant on agriculture, a broader perspective is needed. Sustainability here means optimising limited land resources to boost livelihoods while protecting the environment. e cultivation of crops like oil palm in Malaysia illustrates how development and sustainability can co-exist.

Decoding Palm Oil: Essential Insights for Balanced

and Informed Sustainability

Conversations Part I

Palm oil, a key agricultural commodity in many tropical countries along the equator belt, shows how industry can foster economic growth while supporting environmental stewardship. In Malaysia, the palm oil sector has driven signi cant socio-economic progress, bene ting millions especially smallholder farmers. is success story highlights how responsible management can make agricultural industries engines of development.

e principle of Common but Di erentiated Responsibilities (CBDR), established at the 1992 Earth Summit, acknowledges the di erent capacities and responsibilities of nations. Developed countries, having industrialised earlier and contributed more to greenhouse gas emissions, face di erent expectations compared to developing nations. CBDR recognises that while all countries share environmental challenges, approaches should re ect their unique circumstances.

For developing countries, incorporating development into the sustainability model is crucial. e palm oil industry, when managed with a focus on both economic and environmental sustainability, can serve as a model for how emerging economies can thrive. Embracing and optimising such industries allows developing nations to advance sustainably, proving that economic progress and environmental care can go hand in hand.

e call to action is clear: We must support and amplify models that foster development while preserving our planet. As we re ect on the achievements of the Malaysian oil palm industry, we should ask: Does this sector exemplify a sustainable commodity aligned with our future vision of nation building and how to promote it? How can we further support and enhance such models to ensure they lead the way in achieving both national prosperity and sectorial sustainability?

Remarkable E ciency of Oil Palm as an Agricultural Species

e oil palm, botanically known as Elaeis guineensis is a prime example of e ciency and productivity in plantation landscapes, thriving along the equatorial belt within approximately 5 degrees north and south of the equator. It is the most productive oil-bearing crop, thriving with ample sunshine and generous rainfall. with one hectare yielding up to 8 times more oil than other oilseeds - over 3 tonnes annually. In contrast, soybean, rapeseed and sun ower crops produce only 0.46, 0.81 and 0.68 tonnes per hectare per year, respectively. is e ciency highlights the oil palm's potential to meet global demands while using land more e ectively than any other edible oil crop.

Malaysia, home to just 0.4% of the world's population, cultivates oil palm on 17% of its total land area. Despite representing only 0.1% of global agricultural land, Malaysia contributes 20% of the world’s exports of edible oils and fats. Malaysian oil palm growers achieved this without relying on farming subsidies typical in Europe and the US. Instead, they contribute signi cant taxes that support national development and infrastructure.

Oil palm cultivation's energy e ciency further underscores its environmental bene ts. MPOC highlighted that the energy balance, measuring output-to-input ratios, shows that oil palm is highly resource-e cient. Producing a tonne of oil palm requires fewer agrochemicals and fossil fuels compared to other oilseeds. With an energy ratio of 9.6, oil palm far surpasses rapeseed's 3.0 and soybean's 2.5. is e ciency reduces emissions and pollutants, preserving water, soil and air quality, and exemplifying sustainable agriculture.

2024 EVENTS

OCTOBER

I C I S Pa n Am erica n

O leoch em ica ls C onference

Th e R itz - C a rlton C oconu t G rov e, Mia m i, Florida , U SA

2 - 3

Su sta ina ble Av ia tion Fu tu res

N orth Am erica C ong ress

Ma rriott Ma rqu is, Hou ston, U SA

2 - 4

3rd G loba l Ag ritech Su m m it ( G ATES) 2024

Sa ba h I nterna tiona l C onv ention

C entre, Sa ba h

8 - 9

MPO C Foru m a nd G a la Dinner

Sh a ng ri- La Hotel, Kuala Lumpur

8 - 9

Food a nd Kitch en Ta nz a nia

Da r Es Sa la a m , Ta nz a nia

9 - 11

1 4 th PALMEX I ndonesia 2024

Sa ntika Prem iere Dy a ndra Hotel & C onv ention, I ndonesia

9 - 11

Arg u s Biofu els Eu rope

NOVEMBER

Su sta ina ble Av ia tion Fu tu res

APAC C ong ress

PAR KR O Y AL C O LLEC TI O N Ma rina

Ba y , Sing a pore

4 - 6

20th I ndonesia n Pa lm O il

C onference ( I PO C ) a nd 2025

Price O u tlook

Ba li I nterna tiona l C onv ention C entre, I ndonesia

6 - 8

5TH Y ABI TED Fa ts & O ils

C ong ress

Th e Ma rm a ra , Anta ly a , Tu rkey

7 - 9

R ou ndta ble C onference on

Su sta ina ble Pa lm O il ( R T2024 )

Am a ri Ba ng kok, Ba ng kok, Th a ila nd

11 - 13

26th C entra l Asia n I nterna tiona l

Ex h ibition - Foodex po Q a z a qsta n

Ata kent I nterna tiona l Ex h ibition

C entre, Ka z a kh sta n

13 - 15

Biofu els Ex po 2024

R eina ssa nce London Hea th row Hotel, U K

14 - 15

Food I ng redients Eu rope 2024

Messe Fra nkfu rt, G erm a ny

19 - 21

DECEMBER

Ma la y sia n Pa lm O il Vendor

Dev elopm ent Foru m by MPO C

Eg y pt

Eg y pt I nterna tiona l Ex h ibition C enter

( EI EC ) , Eg y pt

Food Africa 2024

Eg y pt I nterna tiona l Ex h ibition C enter

( EI EC ) , Eg y pt

3 - 5

FO SFA O ils a nd Fa ts Section

Annu a l Dinner 2024

Ta llow C h a ndlers’ Ha ll, London, U K

YEAR

Pa lm O il Econom ic R ev iew & O u tlook 2025

R oy a le C h u la n Hotel, KL

14 Jan

Pa ka r Perta nia n Ex po 2025

MAEPS Serda ng , Sela ng or

20 - 22 Feb

36th Pa lm & La u ric O ils Price

O u tlook C onference & Ex h ibition ( PO C 2025)

Ku a la Lu m pu r

24 - 26 Feb

I nterna tiona l Biom a ss C onference & Ex po

C obb G a lleria C entre, G eorg ia , U SA

18 - 20 Mar

Biodiesel Su m m it: Su sta ina ble

Av ia tion Fu el & R enew a ble

Diesel

C h i Hea lth C enter, O m a h a , N ebra ska , U SA

9 - 11 Jun

MPO B I nterna tiona l Pa lm O il

C ong ress ( PI PO C ) 2025

Ku a la Lu m pu r C onv ention C enter ( KLC C ) KL

From Plantation Origins to Urban Plague: e Unexpected Legacy of Crows in Malaysia

Did you know that crows, or "burung gagak" as they are known locally, are not originally from Malaysia? e house crow (Corvus splendens) is a bird of Asian origin that has become widespread across many countries in the globe. Despite their grand scienti c name, they o en have a less-than-stellar reputation. Why is that?

House crows are among the most successful invasive species within the Corvus genus. Native to South Asia - speci cally Sri Lanka, Nepal, India, and Bangladeshthese adaptable birds have spread to many countries. Although they are typically associated with tropical climates, their range now extends as far north as the Netherlands. eir remarkable ability to thrive in diverse environments has contributed to their global widespread presence.

Hai-yah !

Drawing from my Zoology 101 module from university days, I was taught that crows are strikingly intelligent and adaptable birds, famous for their complex behaviours and sophisticated social structures. Research indicates that the crows in Kuala Lumpur are genetically similar to those in Sri Lanka, suggesting that some may have arrived in Malaysia by ‘hitchhiking’ on ships. ese opportunistic feeders are adept at congregating around abundant food sources and displaying notable cunning, such as snatching food when the chance arises. Socially, crows o en travel in pairs and can form large groups when threatened, showing aggressive behaviour if provoked. eir ability to adapt has allowed them to thrive in urban environments, where discarded food provides a consistent supply. However, their scavenging habits in these settings raise concerns about the potential spread of diseases.

I spent my early childhood in Klang, a city renowned for its Bak Kut Teh and equally infamous for its crows. ese birds have since spread across various parts of Selangor. I vividly recall the evening cacophony of crows along the Klang River, observed from the Klang and Kota bridges. e crows are incredibly intelligent and adaptable, able to thrive in diverse environments. It was common to see ocks of house crows roosting on buildings, trees, overhead cables, and even near beaches. During my time living in Banting, close to Carey Island in Telok Panglima Garang, I was unaware of the island’s historical connection to the crow population.

In 1902, British planter John Edward Valentine Carey introduced 56 crows from Sri Lanka to Pulau Carey to control crop-eating insects in his co ee plantations. e island was named a er him, having been acquired from Sultan Sir Alauddin Sulaiman Shah of Selangor for plantation purposes. is introduction marked the beginning of the crow population exponential growth in Selangor. e phenomenon, known as the “founder e ect,” occurs when a new colony originates from a small number of individuals. While the crows initially may have served their purpose as part of a cost-e ective integrated pest management strategy, they have since multiplied and spread extensively, evolving into a signi cant nuisance over a century later.

Today, the hotspots for crows in Malaysia are the 3-K cities of Metropolitan Klang Valley ie. Kuala Lumpur, Klang and Kajang – and other surrounding cities. e crows have earned a reputation as pests due to their unhygienic habits and incessant noise. ey o en forage in large ocks, scavenging for scraps and contributing to urban litter. In Klang, the crow population is notorious not only for its persistent cawing but also for its disruptive behaviour. e crows are known for vandalising garbage bins and pilfering objects such as clothes hangers. I vividly can recall incidents in Banting where these so-called "snatch-crows" would frequently steal hangers from our home clothes lines, prompting my mother to constantly uttered Hai-yah and replace them.

E orts to control the crow population by authorities through shooting campaigns, conducted with the assistance of police and licensed rearm owners, have so far been ine ective in reducing their numbers. e shooting campaigns have faced criticism from some animal rights groups and NGOs, who view these methods as inhumane. ey advocate for alternative strategies to manage the crow population without resorting to lethal means. e primary issue with crows is their tendency to forage through garbage and defecate on cars parked under trees. Although the situation improved somewhat when residents began to manage their waste more e ectively, crows continue to perch on parked cars, reminiscent of a chaotic battle eld of a war-zone.

e high crow population is also linked to the types of trees used in local landscaping. Crows have a strong preference for perching on Angsana trees, a legume tree species commonly planted by local councils for outdoor landscaping. Removing these trees and cutting o their food supply could help curb crow breeding, but this approach would be both challenging and expensive.

Let me reiterate that the crows are highly intelligent birds, renowned for their problem-solving abilities and sophisticated communication skills. For instance, when a crow encounters an aggressive human, it can teach other crows to recognise and avoid that person. Research indicates that crows have remarkable facial recognition abilities and do not forget faces easily. While many crows are solitary, they o en forage in groups or form large communal roosts, known as a "murder" of crows. When a crow dies, the murder will gather around the deceased not just to mourn but to investigate the cause of death. is behaviour helps them identify potential threats and engage in "mobbing"—a coordinated e ort to chase away predators.

Back to my Zoology 101 class again, I recall a fascinating study where Japanese scientists observed that crows place hard-shelled nuts on the road for vehicles to crack open. ey cleverly drop the nuts near tra c lights and wait until the light turns red, allowing the tra c to stop so they can safely retrieve the nut without risking their lives. Crows are indeed hyperintelligent creatures, showcasing a level of cognitive sophistication that makes them both intriguing and formidable.

So, as Phua Chu Kang will always say, “don’t play-play” with the crows which originated from Carey Island. You have been warned. Be wary of the “revenge of the crows”.

Unlocking

2nd November 2024, Genting International Convention Centre (GICC)

Seminar Registration:

Indone si a Brace s f or La Ni ña Impact: Pal m Oi l Industry Face s Pote nti al

Producti on Chal l e nge s

JAKARTA – e Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has announced that a potential La Niña event could impact Indonesia between August and October 2024, posing new challenges for the oil palm industry.

La Niña, characterised by a cooling of ocean surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Paci c, typically occurs every 3 to 5 years, though it can sometimes happen in consecutive years. is phenomenon usually results in increased rainfall across Indonesia and extends to the west coast of South America.

Eddy Martono, Chairman of the Indonesian Palm Oil Association (GAPKI), commented on the anticipated e ects of La Niña, noting its potential impact on the harvesting and transportation of fresh fruit bunches (FFB) from oil palm plantations.

“Evacuating FFB will likely face disruptions, especially if plantation areas experience heavy and prolonged oodings. is could lead to a decrease in crop production, though the extent will vary depending on individual plantation conditions”.

Despite potential crop production challenges, it is noted that La Niña may not necessarily lead to a rise in global crude palm oil (CPO) prices. While La Niña could potentially a ect global supply and prices, it is not a guaranteed driver of increased income for palm oil companies.

Tungkot Sipayung, Executive Director of the Palm Oil Agribusiness Strategic Policy Institute (PASPI), emphasised that an extreme La Niña could signi cantly disrupt FFB production due to ooding, which would hinder both harvesting and transportation processes.

“To mitigate the impacts of La Niña and El Niño, it is crucial to implement short and medium-term water management strategies, such as creating water storage ponds for use during drought periods”.

It was highlighted that if this year's La Niña is moderate, it might actually boost oil palm production. Moderate La Niña conditions, particularly during the fertilisation period from October to December, could enhance oil palm productivity. However, any positive e ects would likely only be seen in the rst half of 2025.

Gulat Manurung, Chairman of the Indonesian Smallholders Association (Apkasindo), urged growers to prepare for the upcoming climate challenges. “Although La Niña will be short-lived, lasting one to three months, it will impact harvesting activities by causing ooding and damaging infrastructure. While it won’t drastically a ect FFB production, it will certainly complicate harvesting processes,” he said.

Plant legumes or other compatible crops between oil palm rows to stabilise income and enhance food security.

Use water-saving techniques to manage excess water

Implement silt pits perpendicular to slopes to collect and

Climate-Resilient Varieties:

Invest in research and development to cultivate oil palm varieties that are resilient to wetter conditions.

Sustainable Adaptation Planning:

Consider technological advancements, land tenure, food security, and ecosystem management

Require political will to enhance agricultural policies, support research and development, and maintain market supply despite climate challenges.

Apply mulching to conserve soil moisture and reduce erosion.

Use oil palm by-products like OPF and EFB for mulching.

Practice zero tillage to reduce soil erosion and maintain soil structure.

Monitor and Manage Pests:

Increase surveillance for pests that thrive in wet conditions.

Implement integrated pest management (IPM) strategies.

Proactive preparation for La Niña through strategic mitigation and adaptation can signi cantly reduce the risks posed by extreme weather events. By implementing these strategies, oil palm farmers can safeguard their crops and ensure sustainable production.

Source: Abubakar, A., et al., (2021). Impacts of and Adaptation to

Strengthen Soil Conservation:

Bagworm is one of the most destructive pests in oil palm plantations. It is a type of leaf-eating caterpillar that creates protective bags from the plant materials it consumes. Outbreaks of bagworm occurred frequently. Bagworms attack palm leaves and cause leaves defoliation and 43 - 50% of yield loss, exceeding RM 100 million annually. Controlling bagworm outbreaks requires a strategic Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach.

Bag Proﬁt or Bagworm: IPM Strategies and Way Forward

P. pendula

M. corbetti

M. plana

IPM components for E ective Bagworm Control.

Mass trapping using pheromones

Environmentally-friendly Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) biopesticides

Forward Trajectory

Bene cial plant hosting predators and parasitoids of bagworms

Infestation happens due to procrastinated control. ese approaches allow for rapid detection and intervention, helping to control and mitigate the infestation more e ciently.

Aerial spraying of Bt-based biopesticide using agricultural drones or helicopters. Mohd Masri, Mohamed Mazmira, et. al., (2021).

Using drone to detect the severity levels of infestation. Condition of canopy image. Johari, Siti Nurul A ah Mohd, et. al., (2023).

MALAYSIAN OIL PALM MINISTRY, ITS AGENCIES AND RELATED ASSOCIATIONS

Ministry of Plantation Industries and Commodities (KPK)

Jalan P2p, Presint 2, 62000 Putrajaya, Wilayah Persekutuan Putrajaya. Phone : +6 03 8000 8000

Fax : +6 03 8880 3482

Email : portalmaster@kpk.gov.my www.kpk.gov.my

Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) 6, Persiaran Institusi, Bandar Baru Bangi, 43000 Kajang Selangor. Phone : +6 03 8769 4400

Email : general@mpob.gov.my www.mpob.gov.my

Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC)

Level 25, PJX HM Shah Tower, No. 16A Jalan Persiaran Barat PJS 52, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia. Phone : +6 03 7806 4097

Fax : +6 03 7806 2272

Email : wbmaster@mpoc.org.my www.mpoc.org.my

Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) Level 2, Tower 2B, UOA Business Park, Unit 2-1, No 1, Jalan Pengaturcara

U1/51, Seksyen U1, 40150 Shah Alam, Selangor.

Phone : +6 03 2181 0192

Email : info@mspo.org.my www.mspo.org.my

Malaysian Palm Oil Green Conservation Foundation (MPOGCF)

Level 12-3-3A PJX HM Shah Tower,16A, Persiaran Barat, Pjs 52, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Phone : +6 03 7931 5544 / 5445 www.mpogcf.org

Malaysian Palm Oil Association (MPOA) Tower 3, Level 8, Unit 03-08-09&10, UOA Business Park, No, 1, Jalan Pengaturcara U1/51, 0150 Shah Alam, Selangor. Phone: +6 03 5021 0730

Email: admin@mpoa.org.my www.mpoa.org.my

Malaysia Estate Owners’ Assosiation (MEOA)

No. 27, Level 2, Jalan Kelapa, O Persiaran Raja Muda Musa, 41200 Kalng, Selangor, Malaysia

Phone : +6 04 262 6431

Fax : +6 03 7877 7166

Email :hello@meoa.org.my www.meoa.org.my

Malayan Agricultural Producers Association (MAPA)

Unit K03-08-08, Tower 3,UOA Business Park, 1, Jalan Pengaturcara U1/51, 40150 Shah Alam, Selangor. Phone : +6 03 5031 3995

Email : mapahq@mapa.net.my www.mapa.net.my

Sarawak Oil Palm Plantation Owners Assosiation (SOPPOA)

No 30, 2nd Floor, Travillion Commercial Centre, 93100 Kuching Sarawak, Malaysia.

Phone : +6 082 236 872

Fax: +6 082 236 873

Email : soppoa@gmail.com www.soppoa.org.my

The East Malaysia Planters’ Association (EMPA)

Lot 38-1 F, Jalan Dataran BU 4, Bandar Utama, Mile 6, Labuk Road P P M 62 Elopura 90000 Sandakan

Sabah, Malaysia

Phone : +6 089 238 316

Fax: +6 089 238 316

Email : theempa1889@yahoo.com www.tinyurl.com/theempa1889

Sarawak Dayak Oil Palm Planters Association (DOPPA)

2nd Floor Lot 35 & 36, Medan Jaya Commercial Centre, P O Box 742, 97008 Bintulu, Sarawak

Tel : +6 012 8775 415

Email : ritasarimah@gmail.com www.doppa.org

National Organisation of Smallholders (NASH)

D-1-11, Setiawangsa Business Suites

Jalan Setiawangsa 11, Taman Setiawangsa 54200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Phone : +6 03 4251 0984 / +6 03 4251 0992

Email: pkpkm2014@gmail.com www.pkpkm.org.my