Extension Service Unit
- The Extension Service Unit is responsible for implementing various technology transfer activities related to oil palm management for the target group, namely independent smallholders.
- TUNAS Officers (Oil Palm Teaching and Advisory Services) or extension officers are appointed as technology transfer agents throughout Malaysia, providing services such as advisory training, MSPO/GAP certification, and channeling government assistance to the involved smallholders.
- Independent oil palm smallholders are defined as individuals who own land planted with oil palm covering less than 40.46 hectares or 100 acres.
Vision
To develop dynamic and progressive independent oil palm smallholders and to enhance the productivity of the national oil palm industry.
Mission
To create awareness among smallholders on the importance of skills and attitude change to improve productivity through efficient and well-planned extension services.
- Technology Transfer Section
- Technology and Support Services Section
Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Certification
Introduction
The Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Certification Assessment for independent oil palm smallholders (PKS) is an individual farm assessment method designed to assist smallholders in preparing their farms for MSPO certification.
Objective
The objective of MPOB’s Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Certification is to ensure that smallholders’ farms are managed and maintained according to standards recommended by MPOB for the optimal and quality production of Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFB).
Benefits Received by Smallholders
- Receive free farm assessment visits and advisory services on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) management from TUNAS Officers.
- Receive the MPOB GAP Certification Certificate if all specified GAP requirements are fulfilled and complied with.
Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) Certification
Introduction
The Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) was entrusted with the role of formulating a standard to be gazetted as a Malaysian Standard (MS). This standard is known as the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO). The MSPO was developed in collaboration with the national palm oil community, sustainability experts, and SIRIM Berhad. The Malaysian Standard for MSPO was officially gazetted on 5 September 2013. The MSPO standard was launched to the palm oil industry on 19 November 2013 by the Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, and its implementation began on a voluntary basis on 1 January 2015.
After taking into account the views of various stakeholders directly or indirectly involved in Malaysia’s palm oil industry, the Government ultimately decided to make the implementation of the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) Certification Scheme mandatory starting from 1 January 2020.
Objective
To ensure that all aspects of sustainability in Malaysia’s palm oil industry are adopted by all producers, including smallholders.
Benefits Received by Smallholders
To obtain MPOB’s services free of charge in securing MSPO Certification, including certification costs, training, and other related expenses.
30 Tonne Club Member
Introduction
- Smallholders who achieve an FFB yield of 30 tonnes/ha/year or more will be listed as members of the 30 Tonne Club.
- Most of its members are recognised as Outstanding Farmers either at the MPOB level or at the national level. Indirectly, members of the 30 Tonne Club have become role models for other oil palm smallholders to further improve themselves and increase their oil palm productivity.
Objectives
- This aims to provide encouragement and motivation to smallholders to achieve higher yields in the future.
- To form a group of outstanding, experienced, competitive, progressive, and dynamic independent smallholders through a well-planned technology transfer package, and to inspire and guide other independent smallholders to be more motivated to succeed.
Benefits Received by Smallholders
- Issuance of a certificate of appreciation from the 30 Tonne Club as recognition by MPOB.
- Regular advisory services by MPOB TUNAS officers.
- Priority given to participate in MPOB-organised activities such as seminars, conferences, courses, workshops, and others.
- Opportunities to join educational visits organised by MPOB to enhance knowledge of new oil palm-related technologies.
- Opportunities to receive awards as successful smallholders in programmes organised by the ministry or agencies.
Free Advisory Services
Introduction
The Advisory Visit aims to provide technical advice and deliver the latest technologies in oil palm management to oil palm smallholders. This visit includes Demonstration Plots, Model Farms, GAP audit visits, Oil Palm Industry Visits (AIS), and other visits related to the oil palm industry.
Objective
Enhance knowledge on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), which directly contributes to increased farm productivity.
Benefits Received by Smallholders
- Development of oil palm farms implemented in accordance with Good Agricultural Practices (GAP).
- Receive the latest information and technologies related to oil palm cultivation, in addition to channelling government assistance schemes to the involved smallholders.
- Smallholders are able to apply good agricultural practices and subsequently improve their productivity.
- Continuous and face-to-face monitoring and technology transfer by TUNAS officers can transform the agricultural practices of smallholders to ensure the sustainability of their productivity.
