Johor Bahru: The Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) is actively advancing its efforts to bolster the nation's plantation sector transformation agenda.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Felda's chairman, Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek, announced the launch of the 25:23 Project, aimed at increasing yield to 25 tonnes per hectare per year and achieving an oil extraction rate (OER) of 23 percent by 2027.
This initiative is designed to foster quality, discipline, and collaboration between Felda and FGV Holdings Berhad, a major seed producer. "FGV is a reliable seed producer and constantly enhances the quality of its seeds to achieve better yields. Felda's plantation management and the efficient operations of FGV's mills are equally important to ensure high oil extraction rates," Ahmad Shabery stated at the 2024 Best 25:23 Project awards ceremony at Dewan Semai Bakti Felda Lok Heng.
The event was attended by FGV Holdings Berhad chairman Tan Sri Rastam Mohd Isa and Felda Johor Bahru Regional director Mohd Helmi Fakhzan Abd Wahab. Ahmad Shabery noted that the ceremony recognized outstanding Felda personnel and plantation managers who have improved the productivity and quality of fresh fruit bunches. Awards were presented to individuals and top-performing plantation complexes involved in the 25:23 Project, which will be expanded to 15 additional complexes.
"This reflects Felda's continued commitment to improving operational efficiency and plantation yields. As a major contributor to the global oils and fats industry, Felda and its subsidiaries are crucial in promoting sustainability, competitiveness, and the empowerment of the bumiputera economy," he added.
Felda is also expanding the PMS 'Damar Berkat' operational model to reduce losses in settlers' produce, improve transaction transparency, and ensure higher income. "The PMS model, successfully implemented by the Koperasi Permodalan Felda (KPF) since April, is set to be expanded following a pilot project in Bukit Damar, Lanchang, Pahang. We will soon introduce it to 11 additional locations and ultimately to over 40 areas," Ahmad Shabery explained.
Six new PMS locations have been identified: Ijok and Nenering in Perak; Layang-Layang, Chemplak, Chemplak Barat, and Sri Ledang in Johor; and Kampung New Zealand in Pahang. "This implementation will be guided by a comprehensive system that includes procurement, quality control of fresh fruit bunches, logistics for delivery to mills, and more competitive pricing," he said.