InfoSAWIT, BALI – Reni Sukawati, a researcher from the SMART Research Institute Indonesia, presented innovative efforts to address the impacts of climate change on palm oil cultivation. In her presentation, Sukawati highlighted the challenges faced by the palm oil sector due to climate change, particularly the increasing water deficit in several regions of Indonesia.
Sukawati explained that climate change has caused erratic rainfall patterns, with wetter rainy seasons and drier dry seasons. "In some regions of Indonesia, the water deficit has reached 200 mm over the past 25 years. In Sumatra, the water deficit ranges from 125-155 mm, while in South Kalimantan, it reaches 75-100 mm," she stated during the International Conference on Oil Palm and Environment (ICOPE) Series 2025 Day 3, attended by InfoSAWIT, at Bali Beach Convention, Bali, on Friday, February 14, 2025.
Palm oil, being highly sensitive to water stress, experiences a significant decline in production. "Water deficits can reduce palm oil production by up to 50%, potentially causing revenue losses of up to IDR 4.6 billion per year," Sukawati added. Therefore, the SMART Research Institute is committed to developing solutions to mitigate these losses.
Research Focused on Arid Regions
To tackle these challenges, Sukawati and her team are conducting intensive research in arid areas such as Muara Enim and Jambi. "We focus on analyzing the impact of water stress on physiological parameters and plant metabolism. From this, we develop protocols to identify factors causing production failures," she explained.
The research team is also utilizing hyperspectral imaging technology to monitor plant performance. "We measure various components such as sugar production, air flow, and photosynthetic efficiency. This data helps us characterize plant materials that are sensitive to water stress," Sukawati added.
Since 2019, the SMART Research Institute has implemented screening procedures on a specialized platform called the water stress platform. "This platform is designed to accommodate 800 seedlings and is equipped with an automatic irrigation system and sensors that monitor soil and water conditions," Sukawati stated.
Through this platform, the research team has tested 1,448 seedlings from various palm oil families. "We select materials that show more than a 10% performance improvement compared to conventional varieties. Currently, we have identified 14 potential families, two of which have been validated through field trials," she explained.
Field Validation and Recommendations
Field trials have been conducted in three locations: North Sumatra, South Kalimantan, and Central Kalimantan, with varying levels of water deficit. "The results show that water-stress-resistant plant materials perform best in areas with high water deficits. However, these materials also remain productive in areas with low water deficits," Sukawati clarified.
Sukawati emphasized that the combination of selecting plant materials, water management, and monitoring technology is key to enhancing palm oil resilience to climate change. "With this approach, we hope to help farmers optimize production while reducing environmental impacts," she stated.
Looking ahead, the SMART Research Institute plans to expand the implementation of this technology to more regions in Indonesia. "We will also continue to develop superior varieties that are more resistant to water stress and climate change," Sukawati concluded.
With this innovation, it is hoped that Indonesia's palm oil sector can remain competitive and sustainable amid increasingly complex climate change challenges. (T2)
