Adaptive Plantation Management Needed To Mitigate El Nino Impact On Oil Palm Crops -- Huang

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 8 (Bernama) -- The government has encouraged adaptive plantation management practices, particularly in water management and soil moisture conservation, to mitigate the impact of the El Nino on oil palm crops. 

Deputy Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Huang Tiong Sii said measures that can be implemented include maintaining appropriate drainage and irrigation systems, providing water reservoirs, and using organic materials and oil palm fronds as mulch to reduce soil moisture loss. 

“In addition, good agronomic practices are essential to enable early management interventions in the event of a prolonged dry spell. 

“This continuous plantation management approach, which is responsive to weather conditions, can enhance the resilience of oil palm crops against climate stress and help mitigate the risk of productivity decline caused by El Nino,” he said during the Questions for Oral Answers session in the Dewan Rakyat today. 

He replied to a supplementary question from Roy Angau anak Gingkoi (GPS-Lubok Antu) about the long-term impact of the El Nino phenomenon on productivity and crude palm oil (CPO) production, as well as mitigation measures and ongoing support to help smallholders maintain productivity and income. 

Huang said 2025 is viewed as a period of significant risk for CPO production due to the lagged effects of weather stress in 2024. 

“Meanwhile, 2026 is more likely to be a period of recovery or a continuation of the impact, as a result of weather conditions and the recovery of rainfall distribution throughout 2025,” said Huang. 

-- BERNAMA