Recent trends in oil extraction rate (OER) and kernel extraction rate (KER) in Sabah.

摘要

Recent declining trends in oil extraction rate (OER) and kernel extraction rate (KER) in Sabah, Malaysia, and possible contributory factors, are examined. Data on OER and KER between January 1993 and July 1997, collected from 21 oil palm mills in the region, showed that both biological and management factors are likely to influence the observed OER and KER trends. Biological factors include the influence of climate on palm physiology, palm age and pollination. The most important management factor was manpower constraints caused by the rapid expansion of the oil palm industry in Sabah, which affected supervision and implementation of harvesting, and processing efficiency.