Palm Oil Industry Navigates Climate Change Challenges with Drought-Tolerant Varieties
The Impact of Climate Change on Palm Oil Production
Denpasar – The palm oil industry stands at a critical juncture, facing significant challenges from climate change. Prolonged droughts and rising temperatures threaten palm oil yields in major producing nations, particularly Indonesia.
Indonesia’s Water Deficits
In Indonesia, key plantation regions such as Lampung, South Kalimantan, and South Sumatra are experiencing severe water deficits. As a result, production in these areas has declined by up to 10 percent annually, according to the SMART Research Institute. If this trend persists, the industry could face losses of over $4.6 billion per year.
Scientific Innovation to Combat Drought
To address these challenges, researchers at the SMART Research Institute have developed drought-resistant palm oil varieties through advanced genetic selection methods. Over a decade of research, they identified 14 promising candidates, with SD14 and SD63 emerging as top performers. These varieties displayed resilience under extreme drought conditions.
The Role of Genetic Enhancements
“Climate change is becoming increasingly unpredictable, and its impact on plantations is significant. This is why we are developing genetically enhanced seedlings to improve drought tolerance,” explained Reni Subawati, a researcher at the SMART Research Institute, at the International Conference on Oil Palm & Environment (ICOPE) 2025 in Bali.
Technological Screening Methods
Using Chlorophyll Fluorescence technology and a Drought Factor Index (DFI), researchers efficiently screened palm varieties. Field trials conducted in South Kalimantan revealed that SD14 and SD63 maintained 14-27 percent higher yields even during extreme droughts similar to those experienced in 2014 and 2015.
Intermediate Tolerance
While these varieties are classified as intermediate tolerant, meaning they still experience some production declines during drought, they do so at significantly lower rates than standard palms.
“We can’t promise a 100 percent drought-resistant variety, but these cultivars can greatly reduce productivity losses caused by water shortages,” Reni emphasized.
Colombia’s Battle Against Climate Change
Climate change is also taking a toll on Colombia’s palm oil industry. Speaking at ICOPE, Ivan Mauricio Ayala Diaz of Cenipalma highlighted how rising global temperatures, greenhouse gas emissions, and land-use changes are impacting ecosystems, wildlife, human populations, and palm plantations.
Plantation Losses and Economic Impact
“In the past 15 years, Colombia has lost 168,000 hectares of palm plantations due to disease outbreaks caused by climate change, leading to millions of dollars in losses,” Diaz stated.
Cenipalma’s Strategies to Enhance Resilience
To combat these effects, Cenipalma has adopted a multi-faceted approach. They have implemented agronomic techniques and artificial irrigation systems to enhance resilience.
Improved Irrigation Systems
Research conducted in both northern and southern Colombia showed that the use of dripper irrigation systems increased yields by up to 90 percent. Additionally, soil moisture conservation techniques reduced erosion by 50 percent.
Genomic Selection and EST Techniques
In addition to irrigation, Cenipalma is utilizing advanced genomic selection and EST (Expressed Sequence Tag) techniques to breed palm oil varieties with greater resistance to heat stress and drought. The center has also discovered that ammonium-based fertilizers are more effective than nitrate-based fertilizers in promoting palm tree growth.
Conclusion
The palm oil industry is under threat from climate change, with Indonesia and Colombia experiencing severe water deficits and production declines. However, innovative scientific efforts are paving the way for the development of drought-resistant varieties, which promise to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change. Through advanced genetic selection, improved irrigation systems, and the adoption of agronomic techniques, the industry can enhance its resilience and adapt to future challenges.
As climate change continues to pose significant risks to the palm oil sector, these solutions represent vital steps toward sustainable palm oil production. By supporting research and adopting these innovative practices, the industry can ensure its long-term viability while minimizing environmental impact.
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