Loose fruit collection has been a perpetual problem contributing to a decline in the extraction rate. This is a consequence of the labour shortage and unavailability of proper mechanical implement to assist in the operation. On the average, the loose fruits found at the base of the palm constitute about 3-5% of the bunch weight. Higher percentages of loose fruits are found in areas with tall palm having ripe bunches. These loose fruits have to be collected. The current loose fruit collections are done manually by hand picking or raking. These techniques are not only time consuming but also inefficient. The percentage of debris, in the case of raking, can reach as high as 60% by weight.

Main Researcher: Dr Hj Ahmad, H