FAO Director-General visits palm oil producer on Indonesian island of Sumatra

Pekanbaru, Indonesia - FAO Director-General QU Dongyu visited a palm oil production site in Riau Province on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, as he wrapped up an official visit to the country.

The Director-General visited the PT Astra Agro Lestari plantation site in Pekanbaru, where he observed the harvesting process, visited the laboratory, and discussed various stages of palm oil production. The visit concluded in the conservation area established by the producer, which is home to a diverse range of tree and bird species.

Indonesia is “one of the world’s largest palm oil producers, supplying about half of the global market; this site illustrates the role of palm oil to drive the sustainable growth of Indonesia’s agricultural sector,” the Director-General said.

During the visit to the palm oil plantation site, the Director-General emphasized the importance of leveraging digitalization and advanced technologies to enhance sustainable agricultural practices. A key aspect of this approach involves the establishment of comprehensive databases generated from extensive surveys. These databases contain valuable information, including ten years of data on yield, price fluctuations, and the use of agricultural inputs. This data-driven approach allows for a detailed analysis of how to use these inputs effectively with minimal impact on biodiversity and the environment. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for developing scientifically backed solutions for sustainable plantation management. By adopting such practices, plantations can protect the environment, maintain biodiversity, and achieve high productivity.

This balanced approach aims to produce more food with minimal environmental impact, aligning with FAO's mission to support sustainable agriculture and ensure food security for all. The Director-General highlighted the need for ongoing research and innovation to continuously improve practices that benefit both the environment and the agricultural sector.

The Director-General reaffirmed FAO’s commitment as a strong partner providing all the necessary technical support needed to assist Indonesia in realizing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.