The oil palm industry is experiencing a chronic labour shortage, and is therefore trying to mechanize its operations. Field transport of harvested fresh fruit bunches (FFB) to the roadside for collection, fertilizer application and pesticide spraying are all operations that can be mechanized. Weed control is one of the major tasks in the plantation requiring high labour. The present methods of control include manual and mechanical weeding, and chemical spraying, with the last being, by far, the most popular. MPOB has developed a small in-field transporter – single chassis, compact but able to carry a load of 300 kg. The machine runs on four low-pressure tyres to minimize soil compaction and also to provide the necessary traction in all conditions in all terrains. It is thus, more versatile than a mini tractor or other off-road vehicles. With only minor changes, the machine can fitted out as a sprayer.

Main Research: Mohd Solah Deraman