PALMOILMAGAZINE, JAKARTA – The Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC) has expanded its Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) training program to Malaysia, reinforcing efforts to improve the productivity and sustainability of independent oil palm smallholders across major producing countries.
Following the program’s implementation in Indonesia, the latest training was held in Kudat, Sabah, where 56 independent smallholders participated in sessions designed to enhance their knowledge of sustainable cultivation techniques and farm management practices.
According to CPOPC, the initiative is part of the organization’s broader strategy to strengthen smallholder capacity and build a more resilient and competitive palm oil sector.
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The training featured experts from PT Riset Perkebunan Nusantara (PT RPN) and the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB), who delivered technical guidance on the implementation of Good Agricultural Practices. The program was also supported by representatives from Malaysia’s Ministry of Plantation and Commodities, MPOB, and Koperasi Penanam Sawit Mampan (KPSM), highlighting regional collaboration to improve plantation management.
In addition to classroom sessions, participants took part in field demonstrations focusing on sustainable cultivation methods and Ganoderma disease management. Ganoderma remains one of the most significant diseases affecting oil palm plantations and is a major contributor to declining yields in producing countries.
CPOPC said combining theoretical instruction with practical field experience is expected to accelerate the adoption of more efficient farming practices, enabling smallholders to improve productivity while supporting the long-term sustainability of their plantations.
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The expansion of the program into Malaysia also reflects CPOPC’s commitment to strengthening cooperation among palm oil-producing countries through the exchange of knowledge, technical expertise, and agricultural innovation.
According to the organization, regional collaboration will play an increasingly important role in addressing industry challenges, including stagnant productivity, climate change, and growing global demand for sustainably produced palm oil.
CPOPC reaffirmed that empowering independent smallholders remains one of its strategic priorities. By improving farmers’ technical skills, strengthening regional partnerships, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices, the organization aims to help smallholders increase yields, enhance farm resilience, and improve livelihoods for farming communities across the palm oil sector. (P2)
