MPOB researchers invent efficient, cost-effective loose fruit collecting machine

KUALA LUMPUR, May 28 — Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) researchers have invented an efficient and cost-effective palm loose fruit collecting machine.

MPOB director-general Dr Ahmad Parveez Ghulam Kadir said the invention is a practical solution to the oil palm industry which relies on manual method in collecting loose fruits and in dire need of a cost-effective mechanised loose fruit collection system.

“The technology provides greater efficiency in the collection of loose fruits which generally have the highest oil content than most of the attached fruits in the bunches.

“The machine ensures no loose fruits are left in the field, thus resulting in higher income and profit of the plantations due to better oil extraction rate,” he said in a statement today.

Ahmad Parveez said with the technology, loose fruits can now be sent to the mills with minimal contamination of debris as it ensures better quality and helps reduce milling problems associated with the current method of collection.

Trials revealed that on average, the newly-invented machine was capable of collecting loose fruits around 4.2 to 5.1 kilogramme/minute or 1200 to 1500 kilogramme per day with less than 15 per cent debris.

Meanwhile, MPOB has also inked an agreement with RZtech Resources Sdn Bhd for the commercialisation of the technology which will significantly improve productivity and promote better ergonomic working conditions to workers.

— BERNAMA