Central S’wak planters group calls for urgent replanting of oil palm to maintain yield
02/12/2024 (The Borneo Post), Sibu - The Incorporated Society of Planters (ISP) Central Sarawak branch is urging for urgent replanting of oil palm trees as the future of the industry hinges on continuous production of fruits.
According to ISP Central Sarawak branch chairman Ling Chia Yi, more than 1.5 million hectares of oil palm over 20 years old in the country are due for replanting.
“This is more than 27 per cent of the total oil palm hectarage in Malaysia.
“Replanting is very important for keeping our plantations healthy and productive.
“It is not just about planting new trees but also about using better methods, new ideas, and sustainable practices to increase yields and protect the environment.
“This is to ensure our golden crop remains competitive against its rivals,” he said in his welcoming speech at the opening of ‘Oil Palm Replanting Seminar’ organised by ISP Central Sarawak here today.
More than 500 industry players attended the two-day seminar themed ‘Innovative Strategies and Sustainable Approaches to Overcome Challenges and Achieve Maximum Yield’.
Ling also emphasised the need to urgently review replanting strategies covering human capital, planting materials and good agronomic practices (GAP) to ensure the newly replanted areas can produce high and sustainable yields.
He said with the extremely good Crude Palm Oil prices since 2021, the oil palm industry should take this opportunity to correct and improve the existing mature fields on agro-management practices, palm growth and crop recovery for sufficient labours and harvesters.
“By adopting GAP, it is likely the oil palm industry will be able to improve overall oil yield to the next level,” he said.
Meanwhile, ISP National chairman Datuk Daud Amatzin reminded oil palm industry players to hire professional planters who can bring about proper management practices to ensure maximum yields.
He also stressed the importance of following the relevant laws and regulations, especially with regards to the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil Certification.
He cautioned against using fake planting materials, poor agricultural inputs as well as to return to the basics to ensure success in the oil palm industry.
“I would also like to advise everyone present to work hard to advance the oil palm industry to not pay heed to the critics with hidden agendas,” he said.