Malaysia Mulls Exporting Oil Palm Seeds

By Saraswathi Muniappan NEW DELHI, June 4 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is mulling over the idea of exporting oil palm seeds amid a huge demand for the product, says Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities, Bernard Dompok. Currently, Malaysia allows the exports of oil palm seeds only for companies that are majority owned by Malaysian operating in other countries. “I have informed them that I am about to present to the government a recommendation to allow Malaysian oil palm seeds to be exported to other countries,” he told Bernama after meeting India’s Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Prof Kurupassery Varkey Thomas. There has been a huge demand for Malaysia’s oil palm seeds, he added. “In my last trip to South Africa, there was somebody who came all the way from Malawi to see me. We have given them germinated seeds. So, this is one potential area we are looking at. “India also seeks further cooperation in research in oil palm seeds. They have asked for our collection of germplasm.” He said the respective government agencies would look into the issue of germplasm, which is a collection of genetic resources of one or more organisms for preservation purpose. Dompok is here on a five-day working visit to promote palm oil, rubber and timber trade. He is also scheduled to deliver a keynote address and officiate the Malaysia-India Palm Oil Trade Fair and Seminar (POTS) 2012. Besides this, he said the issue of Free Fatty Acid as well as Malaysia’s palm oil industry’s tax structure was also discussed. On the other hand, India has shown keen interest to sell wheat and rice to Malaysia. “I will bring the issue to the respective ministries to consider the request,” said Dompok. -- BERNAMA