SANDAKAN, Aug 24 (Bernama) — Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Tan Sri Bernard Dompok urged the industry players and planters to adopt new technologies for sustainable production and environmentally friendly approach.
He said the sustainability and environment concerns would increase in the coming years as demand has increased for sustainable production and traceablity, both in food and non-food production.
“Today’s global economy, business, institutions and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are demanding a more sustainable production of agricultural products, including palm oil and in meeting the stringent requirements on food safety and increasing concerns on sustainability, the industry must continuously improve practices,” Dompok said.
“The sustainable production of palm oil through certification and fulfilling of principles and criteria of Roundtable on Sustainable of Palm Oil (RSPO) as well as the adoption of the Palm Oil Industry Code of Practices is vital in order to maintain our competitive edge and to position the Malaysia’s palm oil industry on a sustainable footing,” he said at the opening of the Transfer of Technology Seminar here Monday.
Dompok said to help the palm oil industry remain viable and competitive, the government has formulated strategic actions and measures to enhance the sustainability of the palm oil industry.
The industry, he said, has become the pillar of the agricultural sector and is a significant contributor to the country’s economy and the social development of the rural population.
Dompok said the oil palm planted area recorded phenomenal growth to reach 4.5 million hectares and produced 17.73 million tonnes of crude palm oil last year, contributing to development of the national economy.
He said the palm oil industry in East Malaysia, particularly Sabah with the the biggest acreage under oil palm, has contributed significantly to the national economy.
“The total oil palm area in Sabah has increased to 1.4 million hectares and the state produced 5.8 million tonnes of crude palm oil last year,” he added. Source : Business Times
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