Kuala Lampur:The government is promoting adaptive plantation management practices to reduce the impact of El Nino on oil palm crops. Deputy Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Huang Tiong Sii highlighted the importance of efficient water management and soil moisture conservation.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Measures recommended include maintaining effective drainage and irrigation systems, establishing water reservoirs, and utilizing organic materials and oil palm fronds as mulch to minimize soil moisture loss. Good agronomic practices are also crucial for enabling early intervention during prolonged dry spells.

Huang emphasized that this continuous and responsive management approach can strengthen the resilience of oil palm crops against climate stress, helping to prevent productivity loss due to El Nino. He addressed these points during the Questions for Oral Answers session in the Dewan Rakyat.

In response to a question from Roy Angau anak Gingkoi about the long-term effects of El Nino on productivity and crude palm oil (CPO) production, as well as support for smallholders, Huang noted that 2025 is anticipated to be a high-risk period for CPO production due to the delayed effects of weather stress from 2024. However, 2026 is expected to either see a recovery or a continuation of these impacts, depending on weather conditions and rainfall distribution in 2025.