Driving Palm Oil Sustainability Through Information Technology (IT) Innovation
Written by Faizal Azlee Bin Mohamad Yunus, MPOCC
In the quest for sustainable practices within the palm oil industry, Information Technology (IT) in oil palm stands out as a formidable ally. With mounting concerns surrounding deforestation, biodiversity loss, and social impacts, harnessing IT solutions becomes not just a necessity but a pivotal strategy to tackle these challenges head-on, ensuring the conscientious and sustainable production of palm oil.
A pivotal arena where Information Technology in oil palm significantly contributes to sustainability is through the deployment of Geographic Information System (GIS) technology. GIS plays a crucial role in the precise mapping and continuous monitoring of palm oil plantations, empowering stakeholders to meticulously track land use alterations, pinpoint deforested areas, and evaluate their repercussions on ecosystems. The utilisation of geospatial data not only streamlines transparent reporting but also facilitates robust verification processes, thereby holding companies accountable for upholding their environmental commitments.
Another example where Information Technology in oil palm is blockchain technology. Making inroads into palm oil supply chains, providing an immutable and transparent ledger of transactions. By utilising blockchain, the journey of palm oil from plantation to consumer can be traced, ensuring the authenticity of sustainable and certified products. This transparency fosters trust among consumers and supports ethical sourcing practices.
In the realm of information technology in oil palm, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning play a fundamental role in optimising palm oil production. AI algorithms can analyse various factors such as weather patterns, soil health, and crop performance to offer insights for precision agriculture. This not only enhances yields but minimises the environmental impact by optimising resource use.
Furthermore, IT contributes to the empowerment of smallholder farmers. Mobile applications provide farmers with valuable information on sustainable agricultural practices, market prices, and certification requirements. This accessibility promotes responsible farming practices, empowering smallholders to participate in sustainable supply chains.
Mechanisation is the way forward for the Malaysian palm oil industry
As palm oil is the country's most valuable crop, Malaysian research and development should also examine robotics or drones, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and digitalisation in this industry.
Courtesy of information technology in the oil palm sector, MPOCC achieved a significant milestone with the launch of MSPO Trace in November 2019, facilitating traceability for Malaysian palm oil. The Traceability Module within MSPO Trace seamlessly integrates with the Certification Module, initiating the tracing of Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFB) from plantations throughout the entire supply chain. A notable feature of MSPO Trace is its emphasis on transparency and traceability, empowering consumers to effortlessly track the source of the product. This initiative aligns seamlessly with MPOCC's commitment to promoting responsible sourcing in the palm oil industry.
Collaborative platforms and data-sharing initiatives facilitated by IT foster communication among stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, and industry players. This collaborative approach promotes knowledge exchange, best practices, and collective efforts toward achieving sustainability goals.
In conclusion, IT serves as a catalyst for palm oil sustainability by enabling transparency, traceability, and precision in production. Through the strategic implementation of GIS, blockchain, AI, and mobile technologies, the palm oil industry can embrace sustainable practices, meeting the demands of a conscious consumer base and ensuring the long-term viability of this crucial commodity.
