Indonesia begins using palm oil sourced from Tanzania to develop high-yield palm trees

JAKARTA: INDONESIA has begun using palm oil genetic resources sourced from Tanzania to develop a new generation of high-yield and climate-resilient palm trees, in a move expected to strengthen agricultural research and production in the Asian nation.

The initiative was officially launched during a ceremony attended by Tanzania’s Ambassador to Indonesia, Macocha Tembele, at PT Socfindo’s Tanah Besih Estate in North Sumatra under the theme, “Towards a New Generation of Indonesian Palm Oil.” which brought together Indonesian government officials, private sector leaders, agricultural researchers, palm oil companies and other stakeholders in the agriculture sector.

Speaking during the event, Chairman of the Indonesian Palm Oil Association (GAPKI), Eddy Martono, described Tanzania’s genetic resources as crucial in advancing palm oil research in Indonesia saying the materials would support the development of superior seeds capable of producing higher yields while withstanding environmental challenges.

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Officials at the ceremony revealed that 102 samples of palm oil genetic resources were collected from Tanzania, including 84 dura and 18 tenera varieties.

The exercise, conducted jointly by Tanzanian and Indonesian researchers, led to the collection of more than 83,000 seeds, while over 29,000 seedlings are now ready for the next phase of research and trials.

Indonesia’s Ministry of Agriculture also backed the initiative, with Acting Director General for Estate Crops, Ali Jamil Harahap, saying the ministry supports the use of Tanzanian genetic resources to improve palm oil farming in the country. He noted that the programme would help increase productivity and develop seeds capable of surviving harsh environmental conditions, including drought.

Ambassador Tembele said Tanzania was proud to contribute to the scientific initiative aimed at improving Indonesia’s palm oil sector through research and innovation.