Introduction

The plantation industry is a crucial component of the Malaysian economy, with the main commodities being oil palm, rubber, timber, cocoa, pepper, kenaf, biomass, and biofuel. For decades, the plantation sector has lifted millions of Malaysians out of poverty and contributed towards national socioeconomic development and growth. It grew extensively to contribute to Malaysia's annual total Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Institute of Plantation Studies, or Institut Kajian Perladangan (IKP), UPM was established with the vision to become the centre of excellence for the plantation industry through the creation of knowledge, the discovery of new technologies, and postgraduate programs in plantation studies.

IKP is a renowned hub that brings together researchers of different expertise to assist the Malaysian plantation industry in the upstream, midstream, and downstream activities of plantation crops. It operates with three research laboratories: the Laboratory of Sustainable Agronomy and Crop Protection (SACP), Laboratory of Plantation System Technology and Mechanization (PSTM), and Laboratory of Processing and Product Development (PPD).

IKP has established collaborations with many universities, key players in the plantation industry, smallholder communities, the government, and non-government agencies, both locally and internationally. Therefore, the Institute of Plantation Studies dedicates its expertise, experience, and commitment to thriving for a better future in the plantation industry.

Updated:: 04/09/2024 [ainzubaidah]