The Malaysian oil palm industry: progress towards environmentally sound and sustainable crop production

摘要

Socio-economically, the oil palm is a highly important crop in Malaysia. Like the tropical rain forest, it is an efficient sequesterer of atmospheric CO{sub}2. Its thick umbrella-like canopy also provides continuous ground cover which is conducive to long-term soil stability The palm oil industry has a good track record in regard to environmental protection, including waste management and waste and by-product utilization. It has taken appropriate measures over the years to prevent degradation of soil, air and water. The oil palm is an energy efficient crop. Compared to the other major annual oilseed crops, its cultivation and processing require lower inputs of agrochemicals and fossil fuel to produce a tonne of oil, with fewer resulting emissions.