Validation of composting technology was performed by Japan Internal Cooperation Agency (JICA) representative at the Biocompost Commercial Plant, Kemaman Palm Oil Mill (KPOM). The visit was attended by a JICA representative (Ms Chong), Chief Executive Officer (Plantation), Mr Hamdan, and officers from KPOM. The composting technology was developed during collaborative research works between Universiti Putra Malaysia and Kyushu Institute of Technology, Japan under a special fund Science and Technology for Research Partnership (SATREPS) whereby JICA and other funding agencies were the major sponsors (2013-2017). After the SATREPS project is over, a consultation project led by Associate Professor Dr. Mohd Rafein Zakaria, regarding valorization of the biomass especially oil palm empty fruit bunch to compost was conducted at KPOM. The project was conducted for 6 months from 2017 to 2018. The composting technology is being used by KPOM since then and can produce 20-30 tons of matured compost daily. The conversion of empty fruit bunches to compost can manage the biomass at the mill at the same time can benefit the plantation by reducing the application of chemical fertilisers.

Date of Input: 03/03/2022 | Updated: 03/03/2022 | ainzubaidah