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Plantation Review
R&D
Overview
Research and development (R&D) is a critical aspect of our operations.
Supporting R&Dmeans we consistently develop solutions that reduce
production constraints, increase yield potentials and crop resilience,
while improving management practices. The benefts are manifold.
Aside from sharpening our competitiveness as a low-cost producer,
R&D enhances environmental sustainability and maximises our
profts in the long run.
The Group’s R&D activities are centred on fve key areas:
•
Plant breeding:
The development of top quality seed and
planting materials through traditional and advanced breeding
methods, a diverse germ-plasm base and biotechnology,
supported by feld trials that test progenies across a range of
planting environments.
•
Soils:
Detailed soil survey maps that support site-specifc,
agronomic block management.
•
Agronomy:
Precision soil management and crop cultivation
techniques that provide our estates with optimal recommendations
on crop management and planting densities, providing insight for
yield forecasts and block-by-block fertiliser and herbicide usage.
•
Crop protection:
The development of integrated pest management
and biological pest control systems to minimise crop losses
and to monitor, prevent and eradicate pests and diseases.
•
Data capture, management and analysis:
GPS surveys
and remote sensing technology enable detailed 2D and 3D
topographic maps, while Geographic Information System
(GIS) tools provide analysis and troubleshooting to ensure
optimum plantation management. An integrated, real-time
software system provides visibility of data across subsidiaries,
refneries and plantations.
Modern laboratories, comprehensive facilities and a strong R&D
heritage have equipped the Group to perform extensive research in
soil conservation, plant breeding, tissue culture, soil science, plant
nutrition and biological crop protection / entomology / pathology. The
aim is to continuously maximise the productivity of seed breeding and
cultivation using methodological frameworks for farming operations,
ensuring best practices in plantation management.
The Group operates its R&D activities out of two advanced agricultural
research centres: Sumatra Bioscience (SumBio) in Bah Lias, North
Sumatra, and PT SAIN in Pekanbaru, Riau.
Our R&D capabilities are also applied to product development –
we have an extensive R&D facility for our range of cooking oils,
margarine and shortening products.
Indofood Agri Resources Ltd.
•
Annual Report 2012
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