Closing yield gaps for small- and medium-scale oil palm producers: improving cultivation practices

Publication date: 19/05/2017
Extent: 24 pages

Contributions by: J. I. Sanz, M. Mosquera, J. A. Beltrán, Cenipalma, Colombia

Chapter synopsis: The proportion of small- and medium-scale growers in the Colombian oil palm sector has increased in recent years both in terms of land area planted and in terms of number of growers. However, a yield gap has been found among producers, which depends upon their size, with large-scale producers attaining average yields of 6.6 ton FFB/ha per year, higher than those obtained by small- and medium-scale producers. One reason that could explain this yield gap is the lack of adoption of technologies that could overcome yield-limiting factors. This chapter makes use of a detailed case study of strategies implemented by Cenipalma in Colombia to narrow the yield gap between large and small oil palm producers, including the use of organic matter on palm stands and improved irrigation. The chapter proposes future lines of research on further improving the efficiency of oil palm production at both large and small scales.

DOI: 10.19103/AS.2017.0018.28