20/12/2024 (Bernama), Kuala Lumpur - The Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Malaysian Space Agency (MYSA) to expand research and development (R&D) in the oil palm industry by leveraging space technology.

MPOB said the partnership aims to enhance research potential in the oil palm sector by utilising space technologies such as remote sensing, geographical information systems and information and communication technology, as tools to enable more precise, efficient and impactful research methods.

“These technologies can be used to assess plantation health, improve resource management, and ensure compliance with environmental standards, aligning with the nation’s commitment to sustainable agricultural practices at national and global levels,” it said in a statement yesterday.

MPOB Director-General Datuk Dr Ahmad Parveez Ghulam Kadir said the collaboration would focus on sharing updated information about major pests, diseases and agroecological conditions nationwide.

“We will also explore the use of generative technologies like artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things to improve oil palm plantation management,” he added.

Meanwhile, MYSA Director-General Datuk Azlikamil Napiah noted that the agency would develop application systems incorporating the latest space technologies for planning, managing and monitoring oil palm cultivation activities.

“These systems will enhance decision-making efficiency by providing outputs derived from the digital analysis of satellite imagery covering oil palm cultivation areas nationwide,” he explained.

He further elaborated that the collaboration aims to enhance the competency of MPOB and MYSA officers through training programmes and technology transfer initiatives, while also strengthening information-sharing networks between the two agencies, he added.

https://borneobulletin.com.bn/malaysia-to-leverage-space-technology-to-advance-oil-palm/