EMIRA-KUOK Fertilisers Sdn Bhd (KKF), a joint-venture company between theKuok group and Finland’s Kemira Agro, has officially introduced a newfertiliser compound called the Hi-Kay Plus.The company said that the compound was capable of improving oil palmyields by up to 15%.At a presentation held during the International Palm Oil Congress (PIPOC)2001 in Kuala Lumpur on Monday, company officials said the Hi-Kay Plus wasa more cost-effective alternative compared with traditional compounds asgrowers would benefit from a lower fertilising cost per year.“At most three rounds of applications will be required compared with otherfertilisers that require six to 10 rounds,’’ a company official said.According to him, this will result in savings on labour and supervisioncosts while at the same time improving field management and productivity.He said that while the cost per hectare using the product would be 3% to5% higher than using the existing fertilising methods, an increased yieldwould off-set the higher cost incurred.“A 1% increase in yield will more than cover any cost differentialsagainst applying straights,’’ the official said.Since its soft launch in July this year, the Hi-Kay Plus has attractedencouraging response from both smallholders and plantation managers.Apart from the local market, KKF is also exporting its products toregional plantations in South-East Asia.

Wednesday, August 22, 2001The Star