11/04/2017 (The Star Online) - This year marks palm oil’s 100 years in Malaysia. It was 100 years ago when the then almost unknown oil palm was first planted here. The British was largely responsible for bringing in the first batch of seeds of this crop, a native of West Africa, into this country. However, many Europeans had a hand in pioneering the cultivation of a crop that would change the global equation for trade in oils and fats decades later.

A French entrepreneur, Henri Fauconnier, was recorded in history to be among the earliest who dabbled in the planting of oil palm.

We in the palm oil industry are, of course, very aware of the involvement of planters from Denmark. Under the strong leadership of the late Tan Sri B. Bek-Nielsen, the United Plantations group based in Teluk Intan has emerged as an exemplary force in the impressive development of the industry in Malaysia.

The late Bek-Nielsen stood out among those who fought hard to put palm oil on the global stage. The early days of palm oil were not spared the rigours of global competition. As a new entrant in the world edible oils trade, palm oil was seen as a real threat by those that had long enjoyed their favourable position leading the pack. Palm oil was encroaching into their territory. All kinds of below-the-belt attacks were launched against palm oil. It was declared to be bad for health, unfit for human consumption and suitable for use only as grease. All forms of degrading advertisements were put up to attack palm oil especially in the US. If not for the untiring work of the palm oil captains in the country to defend it, palm oil may not be where it is today.

Many still appreciate the efforts of the seven individuals, whom we call the Magnificent Seven, who fought hard to defy the attacks on palm oil. Besides Bek-Nielsen, the others were the late Tun Lim Keng Yaik, then Primary Industries Minister, the late Toh Pang Huat, then president of the Malaysian Edible Oil Manufacturers Association, Tan Sri Dr Augustine Ong, Tan Sri Yusof Basiron (currently Malaysian Palm Oil Council chief executive officer), Rahim Zain of PORLA (Palm Oil Registration and Licensing Authority), and Raja Alias, then chairman of the Malaysian Oil Palm Growers Council.

There is no denying the fact that Malaysia put palm oil in the enviable position it is today. From nowhere, palm oil now leads the other oils in the global edible oils business. It is because of this too that every year without fail, all the global palm oil players descend on Kuala Lumpur to discuss the latest trends in the market. Malaysia is still regarded as the epicentre of the world trade in palm oil.

In conjunction with the recent visit of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to India, a number of announcements were made on palm oil collaboration with India. This is indeed very timely not just because India is among the largest market for palm oil but also because it is a strong believer and supporter of palm oil.

In fact, India has also been exploring the feasibility of expanding its own oil palm industry. Over the years, India has been growing some oil palm in Karnataka and the nearby states. But, more importantly, India sees palm oil as the world’s solution not only in providing affordable edible oils for its population but also as an instrument of progress in the rural areas.

Let us make India a strong partner in our quest to sustain the global demand for this wonderful oil.