Decision to discontinue promoting oil palm cultivation: Amaraweera

The Environment Minister instructed the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) officials to continue with the decision not to promote the Oil Palm plant cultivation in the country.

The instructions were given following an inquiry about palm oil cultivation in the country while discussing the reports prepared for tabling in Parliament by the CEA and (Geological Survey and minis Bureau) GSMB Technical Services.

The government has taken steps to deactivate palm oil cultivation in several stages and not to promote it. "In-line with the recommendations made to the Presidential Task Force for a Sustainable Economy through climate change, have been expressed regarding the phasing out of palm oil currently cultivated in our country and the cultivation of eco-friendly plants on those lands," he said.

However, the CEA officials said that steps could not be taken to manage palm oil cultivation under the National Environmental Act. At present, the government has taken a decision to not promote palm oil cultivation, they said.

The CEA) mentioned that environmentalists as well as various experts have commented on the depletion of groundwater, damage to water sources and the adverse effects on certain wildlife, especially due to the palm oil cultivation. It has been revealed that a palm oil tree in particular needs about 400 liters of water per day. Therefore, there is a risk of groundwater depletion due to palm oil cultivation.

Palm oil currently supplies about 35% of the global vegetable oil needs. Palm oil is a good substitute for vegetable oil. Also, the area required for one ton of palm oil is lesser than the rest.

While instructing the CEA to conduct further formal research on palm oil cultivation, the Minister instructed the CEA to conduct further formal research on palm oil cultivation and the environmental damage caused by it. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)