The Malaysian Palm Oil Association says any El Nino effect, should it happen in two or three months’ time this year, would only be felt next year.

KUALA LUMPUR: Palm oil output in Malaysia is expected to edge up to 19.4 million tonnes this year, a senior industry official said on Tuesday, with any damage from a possible El Nino phenomenon likely to be felt only next year.

El Nino can induce droughts in some parts of the world while drenching others. Meteorology experts say the chances have increased that the weather phenomenon will strike this year.

A strong El Nino would lead to a severe dry spell over South-East Asia where 85% of the world’s oil palm is grown, curbing supplies of the tropical oil used to make bio-fuel as well as foodstuff, soaps and cosmetics.

“Should there be an El Nino in the coming two-three months, the impact will be felt early next year,” said Makhdzir Mardan, chief executive of the Malaysian Palm Oil Association, a group of growers.

Despite a two-month dry spell earlier this year, crude palm oil production in the world’s second-largest grower has so far exceeded estimates, jumping more than 17% in March on a month earlier to 1.50 million tonnes and rising again to 1.56 million tonnes in April.

But the drought meant palm fruit growth would wane at the end of the year, the MPOA said. Full-year output was expected to rise only 0.9% to 19.4 million tonnes from the 19.22 million tonnes produced in 2013.

This is slightly below a forecast for production of 19.52 million tonnes in 2014 by industry regulator, the Malaysian Palm Oil Board.

Dry and hot weather hinders growth of leaves and fruit of the tropical plant, curbing yields.

“The recent drought has caused spear formation on young shoots, which is an indication that leaves are not fully grown,” Makhdzir said.

Indonesia, the world’s largest palm oil producer, has also said it is unlikely to feel the impact of any El Nino weather pattern until 2015. – Reuters

Source : The Star