Role of private sector research in oil palm crop production
1998
Chew, P.S. | Soh, A.C. | Goh, K.J. | Kee, K.K. (Applied Agricultural Research, Selangor (Indonesia))
Large plantation companies usually have their own research or 'scientific' staff. In Malaysia, there are many oil palm research stations with various research programmes and staff levels. Their significant achievements enabled the industry to grow tremendously and achieve large advances in yield. The formation of Oil Palm Research Institute of Malaysia (PORIM) has greatly increased research capability. This coincided with the expansion in numbers but not in sizes of plantation research stations. Currently, the industry faces serious challenges from low labour availability, rising costs, demands by environmentalists and need to increase productivity. More strategic research efforts are essential. PORIM should carry out this research e.g. on explanation of new germplasm, biotechnology, tissue culture, product synthesis and mechanization while the plantation researchers try and apply the new information and planting materials to improve productivity and efficiency. It is anticipated that improved planting materials and site-specific practices will be critical and only the researchers can exploit them well. This will spill over to other groups and the smallholders, therefore benefiting the whole industry. The private sector therefore has a vital role to play. However, its fragmented nature and small units are not conducive to the long-term research needed. Improved coordination and more joint research projects, and further means to ensure their efficacy are needed. For the researchers to succeed in their roles, they must have the full support and cooperation of the Directors and management staff. The Malaysian experience will probably be useful also to the rapidly developing industry in Indonesia
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