In a statement, the board said this matter will be discussed in the four-day Programme Advisory Committee (PAC) Meeting 2024, which began yesterday and will continue until April 26.

“MPOB has implemented a research framework specifically developed to drive the direction of the national oil palm industry through genetic research, sustainable development, processing and mechanisation, development of value-added products as well as digital technology,” it said.

MPOB chairman Helmy Othman Basha said that by prioritising strategic areas, the board is committed to addressing industry issues while strengthening its research and development endeavours.

“These research focus areas seamlessly align with the five policy thrusts outlined in the National Agricommodity Policy 2021-2030,” it said.

Meanwhile, MPOB director-general Ahmad Parveez Ghulam Kadir said PAC members have reviewed and discussed various new initiatives and methods for improving crop materials and efficient farm management as a main strategy to ensure a significant increase in yields.

He said the PAC meeting is a special platform for MPOB to foster innovative and new ideas and strengthen MPOB’s research strategies to meet the needs of the oil palm industry by capitalising on opportunities and global demands.

“The PAC members comprise scientists, industry members and leading experts in the local and international arena who are responsible for scrutinising and planning the best ideas and formulas for the development and research of the oil palm industry,” he added.