A Smallholder’s Story: From the Plantation, to Studying Abroad
Story shared and authorised by Firdaus S., Smallholder from Borneo
*Photo approved by the author for context.
Growing up in a small village in Borneo, my family and I were deeply rooted in the palm oil industry. My parents, like many others in our community, were smallholders who relied on the income from our modest plantation to make ends meet. Life was challenging, and the dream of pursuing higher education abroad seemed like a distant fantasy.
The Struggles of Smallholders
My parents worked tirelessly on our small plantation. The days were long and arduous, filled with backbreaking labour under the scorching sun. Despite their hard work, we often faced financial instability. The yields from our plantation were inconsistent, and the prices we received for our palm oil were often low. This made it difficult to cover basic expenses, let alone save for the future.
The lack of proper farming practices and limited access to resources further compounded our struggles. My parents had little knowledge of sustainable agriculture, which led to soil degradation and pest problems. These issues not only affected our yields but also posed a threat to the environment.
Limited Resources and Diversified Farming
As smallholders, we faced numerous challenges due to limited resources. Access to quality seeds, fertilisers, and modern farming equipment was often beyond our reach. This meant that we had to rely on conventional methods, which were less efficient and more labour-intensive. The financial constraints also made it difficult to invest in improvements or innovations that could boost our productivity.
To mitigate these challenges, many smallholders, including my family, practised diversified farming. Alongside palm oil, we cultivated other crops such as fruits and vegetables. This diversification helped spread the risk and provided additional sources of income. However, managing multiple crops required careful planning and a significant amount of labour, which added to the workload.
Intercropping of Palm Oil and Pineapple
One particularly effective strategy we adopted was the Intercropping of palm oil and pineapple. This practice involved growing pineapples in areas which are unsuitable to plant oil palm trees due to spacing or areas that we find suited to diversify. Pineapples are well-suited to this type of intercropping because they have a relatively low canopy and do not compete heavily with palm oil trees for sunlight.
Cross farming offered several benefits. Firstly, it provided an additional source of income. Pineapples have a shorter growth cycle compared to palm oil, allowing us to harvest and sell them more frequently. This helped to stabilise our income, especially during periods when palm oil prices fluctuated.
Secondly, the presence of pineapples helped to improve soil health. Pineapples have a fibrous root system that helps to prevent soil erosion and improve soil structure, which in turn supported healthier palm oil trees.
Embracing MSPO Certification
Our lives took a significant turn when we decided to embrace the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification. The MSPO initiative, aimed at promoting sustainable and responsible palm oil production, brought a wave of positive changes to our lives.
The certification process was rigorous, requiring us to undergo an audit to ensure we met the necessary requirements. My parents attended numerous training sessions where they learnt about sustainable farming practices from MPOB TUNAS officers. They were taught how to conserve soil, use water efficiently, and Pest Disease Control without harming the environment. These new practices significantly contributed to a positive outlook of oil palm cultivation.
Sustainable Palm Oil Practices and Cultivation
The adoption of sustainable palm oil practices revolutionised our cultivation methods. We began implementing soil conservation techniques such as contour / terrace planting and cover cropping, which helped prevent soil erosion and maintain soil fertility.
Integrated pest management (IPM) became a cornerstone of our farming practices. Instead of relying on harmful pesticides, we used natural predators and organic methods to control pests. This not only protected our crops but also preserved the biodiversity of our plantation. The healthier soil and plants resulted in higher yields and better-quality palm oil.
Ensuring Proper Sales and Market Access
One of the most significant benefits of the MSPO certification was the access it provided to new markets. Buyers were increasingly seeking sustainably produced palm oil, and our MSPO certification made our products more attractive. This led to better prices and more stable income for our family. With the additional income, we could invest in better education for my siblings and me.
The certification also required us to adhere to strict environmental and social regulations. We had to ensure that our cultivation practices did not harm the environment. This fostered a sense of community and mutual respect, creating a harmonious working environment.
Personal Development and Education
With the financial stability and improved quality of life brought by MSPO, I was able to focus on my studies. My parents’ hard work and dedication inspired me to excel in school. I studied diligently and earned top grades, which eventually led to a scholarship to study abroad.
Today, I am pursuing a degree in environmental science, with the hope of returning to Sabah to further contribute to sustainable agriculture. The journey from a small village in Borneo to a university abroad was not easy, but the support from my family and a few banking institutions made it possible. Palm oil cultivation not only uplifted our family’s economic status but also instilled in us the values of sustainability and social responsibility. It transformed our lives and opened up opportunities we never thought possible.
A Brighter Future with New Technologies
The MSPO certification was a game-changer for our family. It provided us with the tools and knowledge to improve our livelihood and practice sustainable palm oil cultivation. Additionally, the Malaysian palm oil industry has been moving towards more sustainable practices, incorporating advanced technologies such as unmanned machinery.
While we do not currently own drones or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), I am excited about the potential these technologies hold for the future. Drones can be used for various tasks, including monitoring crop health, applying fertilisers, herbicide and pesticides, and even assisting in harvesting (Still in beta stages based on what I was told). The use of drones could significantly improve efficiency and productivity on our plantation, allowing us to cover large areas quickly and accurately, reducing the need for manual labour.
The integration of drone technology could also enhance our ability to adhere to sustainable practices and resource conservation. For instance, drones equipped with sensors can monitor soil moisture levels and plant health, enabling precise irrigation and fertilisation. This not only conserves resources but also ensures that our crops receive the optimal amount of water and nutrients.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the MSPO certification scheme played a crucial role in uplifting our family from the struggles of a rural planter gripping with palm oil cultivation. In line with the previous tagline of MSPO that I recalled while studying was “We support the United Nations concept of ‘LEAVING NO ONE BEHIND”, that touched me deeply as I find it uplifting coming from a smallholder like me. I believe this is in line with the government efforts of uplifting the livelihood of smallholders and the barometer of Malaysian palm oil. With a standard such as MSPO convulsing in the outcomes of l proper sales, adherence to environmental and social regulations, and provided us with the financial stability needed to pursue our dreams. The incorporation of sustainable practices and the potential for advanced technologies like unmanned machinery has further enhanced our ability to cultivate palm oil responsibly and efficiently. My journey from Sabah to studying abroad is a testament to the transformative power of sustainable agriculture.
-Unaltered and directly from the author with permission *Photo approved by the author for context.