OIL palm cultivation has reached a total of 395,772 acres as of October 2024 in Taninthayi Region. As oil palm is a perennial crop, it is of vital importance to select the high-yielding seed for commercial farming for 30 years, said Daw Ingyin Khaing, head of the Agriculture Department in Myeik District.
There are six raw oil factories in the region, with one in Dawei Township, one in Myeik, two in Bokpyin and two in Kawthoung respectively.
Well-managed oil palm plantation is thriving after five years of plantation. Then, it will cover capital investment for the next three years. The business will flourish 20 more years as well. At present, hybrid oil palm seedlings that produce large amounts of oil can be locally produced.
A plan is underway to establish a palm oil refinery plant in the region that is fit for health. Only raw oil factories can be found, and 39 companies and 40 private farm owners are executing oil palm cultivation in the region.
Perennial plant research and technology development session, Perennial Crop Division of the Agriculture Department opened oil palm seed germination and hybrid production course on 2 December at the department in Myeik Township, Taninthayi Region.
Daw Ingyin Khaing, head of the Agriculture Department in Myeik District gave a remark that “oil palm plantation can be cultivated only in Taninthayi Region (mostly in Myeik and Kawthoung areas) that can be found 10 degrees north and south of the equator.
“Hybrid seed production is crucial for this long-term business. Earlier, the seeds were imported from foreign markets. Now, hybrid seeds are locally produced. Therefore, this hybrid production method has played a pivotal role in this”, she added. — Myint Oo/KK
