Mechanisation in oil palm estates present situation and possible future developments

Abstract

In the early days of plantation development virtually all work was done manually with the aid of only hand tools. However, with the gradual introduction of various forms of machines especially the heavier ones, speed and efficiency of work have greatly improved. Machinery and equipment used on oil palm estates may be owned, leased or employed on contract by estates. The extent of mechanisation varies considerably depending on estate location, size, terrain, labour availability and management policy. The efficiency of mechanisation depends to a large extent on initial preparation of the area to facilitate access of machines and implements. With the setting up of industrial enterprises around the country and the drift of manpower to urban areas, the plantation sector is presently experiencing labour shortages to varying extents in some localities. While machines have through the years proven a boon to the estates, the extent to which available machinery and equipment are utilised can be increased and improved to reduce dependence on labour and also improve cost efficiency. The objective of this paper is to provide an overview of the present form and extent of mechanisation on oil palm estates and also indicate possible future trends.