Innovations in Oil Palm Mechanisation

摘要

Oil palm, the major plantation crop in Malaysia generating substantial revenue to the industry and nation albeit the plantation sector, is labour intensive. A wayforwardfor the plantation sector, hence its objectives, are to minimise labour dependencyand maximise productivity by means of mechanisation. Despite being progressively mechanised since the 1980s, though mainly in infield transportation, further economic gains are achievable through the adoption of new technologies. The Malaysian Palm OilBoard (MPOB) consistently develops task-specific mechanisation technologies in harvesting, loose fruit collections and infield transportations for the wellbeing of the industry. Several of the technologies transferred to the industry, such as The Grabberblended well with the plantation landscape, while others, especially harvesting technologies, notably Cantas, are yet to be fully accepted. An efficient cost-saving harvesting technology is urgently needed in the plantations. Similarly, ergonomically-friendly loose fruit collection technologies are sought by the industry. Plantation management responded positively to mechanisation; but require machines that are functionally efficient and economically feasible. These specifications are being addressed by MPOB, and in collaboration with members of the industry, academia and engineering firms, locally and abroad. Further utilisation of mechanisation in enhancing production efficiency remains as one of key factors for the Malaysian oil palm industry to stay relevant.