Mechanisation Technology for Small-Scale Oil Palm Plantations

Abstract

Oil palm plantation is one of the main economic activities in Malaysia. Most of the activities in the plantations depend entirely on labour, especially foreign labour. Labour availabilities became more serious during post COVID-19 pandemic. To overcome the situation, technologies for plantation operations are required. Various technologies have been produced and introduced to the industry. However, not all technologies could be adopted by oil palm smallholders due to economies of scale. Thus, this paper provides an overview of mechanisation technologies suitable for smallholder adoption. Economic factors are the basis for the selection of the technology. However, there are several key factors to ensure the successful implementation of mechanisation practices by the smallholders. Among them are tools or machine maintenance and suitable work systems. The elements need to move in tandem to achieve the goal of using mechanisation.