PALMOILMAGAZINE, JAKARTA — As climate change intensifies and drought threats grow more unpredictable, Dami Mas—the seed division of Sinar Mas Agribusiness and Food—has introduced DxP Dami Mas MTK, the first palm oil seed in Indonesia officially validated by the government for its strong performance under water-deficit conditions. The launch marks a major milestone for the national palm oil industry as it shifts toward more climate-resilient production systems.
Labeled as moderately drought-tolerant, the MTK seed is the result of more than a decade of research by the SMART Research Institute (SMARTRI). Designed to maintain productivity even when rainfall drops significantly, MTK arrives at a crucial moment as climate pressure increasingly affects everything from plantation operations to company financials.
Drought has become a critical threat for palm oil producers. Its frequency and severity continue to increase, dragging down yields and reducing oil quality. SMARTRI data shows that every 100 mm of water deficit can reduce production by 8–10%. At a national scale, drought-related losses are estimated to reach more than US$4.5 billion annually.
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In regions such as Lampung, dry conditions have cut yields by up to 21%. Such impacts highlight the urgent need for seed innovations that can safeguard productivity under extreme environmental stress.
Outperforming Standard Varieties
DxP Dami Mas MTK was developed through genetic selection from 1,800 parent palms and extensive testing on more than 40,000 seedlings. Researchers used High Throughput Phenotypic Screening to measure the drought factor index—an essential parameter for evaluating a plant’s resistance to water stress.
Field trials in South Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan, and North Sumatra showed consistent results: MTK seeds produced at least 12% higher yields compared to standard varieties during drought. Under extreme events such as the 2015 El Niño and the 2018 Indian Ocean Dipole, the performance advantage surged to more than 25%.
“Climate change is no longer a future threat; farmers are feeling its impact right now,” said SMARTRI Director Dr. Jean-Pierre Caliman in an official statement received by Palmoilmagazine.com on Monday (17/11/2025). “The commercial approval of MTK signals that science-based solutions to protect productivity are already within reach.”
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MTK is also the first seed to pass drought-tolerance verification by the Ministry of Agriculture’s scientific panel, making it a pioneer in Indonesia’s seed industry.
Dami Mas emphasized that MTK development goes beyond laboratory research. Collaboration with farmers and independent smallholders has been key to ensuring the seed meets real-world needs.
“We understand growers’ concerns about crop failures caused by extreme weather,” said Dami Mas CEO Suryanto Bun. “MTK complements our lineup of high-yield, pest-resistant varieties, giving farmers stronger tools to face climate challenges.”
The first MTK seed shipments are planned for early 2026. As breeding programs expand, MTK is expected to reach not only Indonesia’s domestic market but also West Africa, Latin America, and India—regions facing similar drought risks.
The introduction of drought-tolerant seeds strengthens Sinar Mas Agribusiness and Food’s strategy to enhance food security and agricultural productivity. Combining long-term research with on-the-ground agronomic expertise, the company aims to build a more resilient national palm oil industry in the face of global climate volatility.
“MTK represents the future of palm oil breeding,” Dr. Caliman concluded. “When scientific research is transformed into real, practical benefits for farmers, we move one step closer to a stronger and more sustainable palm oil sector.” (P2)
