KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 22 (Bernama) -- In view of the lack of active researchand development (R&D) on agricultural products in Malaysia, it isessential for the country to work with leading R&D groups worldwide sothat Malaysian R&D can be more effective, said a Malaysian Palm OilAssociation (MPOA) official Chew Poh Soon.

He said that at present there were few notable active researchcollaborations in crop production or biological studies.

"In the current absence of other active agricultural R&D institutions inMalaysia, it is essential to develop good linkages with leading R&D groupsin research institutions, universities and industries all over the worldfor Malaysian R&D to be effective and competitive," he said.

Chew said that R&D expertise and quality, balance of R&D programmes andmanpower should also be maintained for long and medium-term R&Drequirements.

He said this in his paper on "Management Issues in Oil Palm Plantation R&Din Malaysia" at the 2001 International Palm Oil Congress (2001 PIPOC) heretoday.

The three-day congress which ends today is organised by the Malaysian PalmOil Board (MPOB).

He noted that the short-term requirements for oil palm crop production R&Dand yield improvements was not being adequately met by the "the currentlyfragmented plantation R&D groups and MPOB which has other priorities androles for research."

Chew said that the MPOA plays an important role in influencing its membersto commit to R&D, promote and coordinate quality and effective R&D for thesustainability of the industry.

Chew said that MPOA plans to be more pro-active in important R&D areas andin developing linkages with important R&D groups globally.

-- BERNAMA