Industry's low OER [oil extraction rates] problems [Malaysia] - impact, outlook and implications
1996
Chew, Poh Soon (Applied Agricultural Research Sdn. Bhd., Sungai Buloh, Selangor (Malaysia))
The phenomenon of low oil extraction rates (OER) from fresh fruit bunches of oil palm noted since 1992 in Malaysia, especially Peninsula Malaysia, continues to puzzle the industry. The low OER problem has exposed the lack of research resources in this important aspect and confused the industry. Variable quality of industry data, scarce research data, the multi-faceted problem, and differing opinions based on varied experiences make it very difficult to establishe the causes of the problem. The low OER problem appears country-wide and could be associated with a general phenomenon such as changes in the environment or management practices. Unfortunately, there is no good evidence for this although locally, there are undoubted difficulties with harvesting and good crop recovery which affect OER results. However, there is increasing evidance that very large bunches from old palms have lower oil content in Malaysia than thought previously. The worst low OER results are usually seen in mills processing a high percentage of crop from such old palm areas. As there are also major difficulties in good harvesting results consistently in tall palm areas, a strategy which relies on good basic management practices for harvesting, new plantings for overcoming the low OER problems and achieving maximum oil production over the long-term has been recommended in the interin. It is also suggested that the focus on OER results should not be to the detriment of total oil production which remains the principal objective of the plantations.
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