Colombia would produce around 400 thousand tons of high oleic palm oil annually. This was stated by Nicolás Pérez Marulanda, president of the National Federation of Oil Palm Growers (Fedepalma), within the framework of the 52nd National Congress held by the union in the city of Bucaramanga.
The manager highlighted the high potential that this product has and its versatility for both industry and human consumption. He indicated that there are currently about 110 thousand hectares registered in the country with this crop.
“The area planted with this type of oil, extracted from the OxG hybrid palm (a cross between the Elaeis guineensis and Elaeis oleifera cultivars), has increased throughout the country year after year,” said Pérez, who added that 43% of the planted area in OxG is located in the Eastern Zone; 27% in the Central Zone; 19% in the Southwestern Zone; and 11% in the North Zone.
On the other hand, he highlighted that in regions such as Tumaco and Urabá they have 100% of the area planted with this type of crop, which has allowed – as he noted – to know in greater detail its potential in different aspects of the production chain.
“The development of this crop has required a joint effort between the palm growing companies, Cenipalma and Fedepalma, overcoming significant challenges in planting, processing and identification of uses,” he said.
He also maintained that at the same time, research work is being led in the areas of nutrition, water management, pests and diseases, assisted pollination, the optimal harvest point and processing, among others.
“This has helped define specific planting protocols, benefits aimed at optimizing work and maximizing the potential of this type of crop,” he explained.
The workshop carried out by Fedepalma included the participation of palm growers from Ecuador and other countries in the region in a day of exchange of experiences and knowledge about this product.
Opportunities to generate value from OxG cultivation were highlighted, including increased production, bunch stability and optimization of the logistics chain. In addition to its high content of oleic acid and phytonutrients, which – according to the Federation – allows its use in various industries.
Likewise, greater biogas production in extraction plants was highlighted, which reduces the carbon footprint and improves energy efficiency.
Finally, Pérez Marulanda pointed out that this crop has brought “hope,” especially in regions affected by bud rot that has caused significant economic losses.
“The objective is to address the current situation of this product and the actions we must take to differentiate it in the national and international market, since it is recognized as one of the most versatile oils, both for industry and for human consumption.” , he concluded.
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