Palm Oil Industry Need Entomology to Increase Production

Palm oil industry has a significant role in regional and national economic development, including poverty alleviation. However, there are some factors that constraint the production, especially pests that often become an obstacle in the field.

“Entomology or insect science has become significant in palm oil industry,” said Vice President of Sustainability PT Astra Agro Lestari Tbk, Bandung Sahari at the National Seminar of PEI (Indonesian Entomology Association) in Jakarta some time ago.

According to him, the biggest challenge faced by agribusiness industry, including oil palm, is pests. These problem lead to decreased community incomes that also threaten the welfare of the people. If it is not handled promptly in the long term, it will threaten sustainability of oil palm productivity. Bandung suggested to do research that support environmentally friendly pest control.

Entomology Observer, Siti Herlinda agreed that research on insects/pest in palm oil industry is quite low. “Currently, Malaysia is ahead of research on insects/pest on palm oil. We still refer research from Malaysia,” she said. (Source: Bisnis.com