Kuala lumpur: Malaysia should explore the introduction of hybrid oil palm materials proven successful in Colombia to combat diseases, said industry veteran Abdul Rahim Syed Mohd. Abdul Rahim stated that the introduction of hybrid materials should be trialed in Ganoderma-infected oil palm plantations.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Abdul Rahim suggested that if successful, these trials could lead to a significant breakthrough. “Besides tackling Ganoderma, we can look towards other benefits such as high yields, shorter palms, high extraction rates, less loose fruit collection and a reduction in labour with extended harvesting rounds,” he explained.

Abdul Rahim, who has over five decades of experience in plantation management, recently attended the 21st International Oil Palm Conference in Cartagena, Colombia, where he observed the country’s significant progress in the oil palm sector. He noted Colombia’s success with the hybrid OxG palm, which has revitalised the Latin American palm oil industry that once struggled with bud rot disease.

Colombia has already planted 609,000 hectares of oil palm, 89 per cent of which is in production, showcasing high agricultural standards, including the use of cover crops and field drip irrigation systems. Abdul Rahim also commended Colombia’s strong focus on sustainability, with 99 per cent of its plantations deforestation-free and its greenhouse gas emission reduction exceeding international standards.

‘It has adopted high sustainability standards such as respect for the environment, communities, human rights, decent work ethics and property rights,’ he added. Abdul Rahim’s visit was hosted by Fedepalma, the Colombian leading industry body, and leading plantation group La Cabana, where he engaged in discussions with Fedepalma president Nicolas Perez Marulanda and other industry leaders.