SYNOPSIS

Farm Mechanisation Unit
- The Farm Mechanisation Unit (FMU) is headed by a Head of Unit, assisted by Group Leaders of each respective Research Groups: Harvesting Technology & Quality Testing Group, FFB Evacuation & Loose Fruits Collection Technology Group, Crop care & Field Maintenance Technology Group and Mechanisation Skill Development Group. Established in 1982, FMU’s mission is to mechanise field operations in order to reduce labour dependence, increase productivity and minimise the arduous nature of operations. To date, more than 45 technologies and services were developed and offered to the oil palm industry.

Biomass Technology Centre
- The unit is comprises of four research groups, namely a) Supply Chain & Commercialization, b) Bio-processing, c) Bio-composites and d) Bio-based Chemicals. The Unit’s main focus of the R&D will be directed towards the most economical and profitable utilization of all oil palm biomass comprising oil palm trunk (OPT), oil palm fronds (OPF) from the plantation and empty fruit bunch (EFB), mesocarp, fibre, palm kernel shell and decanter cake. The second focus of the unit also equally important are environmental issues. The sustainable strategies and research activities will focus on zero burning, continuous improvement for mitigating environmental issues, value-addition to biomass-derived products, high income for the industry, and development of technologies that would assist in improving the working conditions of the workers.


Note:  The visit is strictly limited to 30 participants registered on a first-come, first-served basis.