Research finds palm oil cultivation is an eco-disaster

By Ifham Nizam

A study conducted by the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) had revealed that an oil palm tree in particular needs about 400 litres of water per day. Therefore, there was a risk of groundwater depletion due to continuing with palm oil cultivation, a senior Environment Ministry official warned.

The government has taken a strong decision against promoting Palm Oil (Katu pol) cultivation in Sri Lanka, especially taking into consideration its disastrous impacts on endemic species here, Environment Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said.

Minister Amaraweera inquired from officials of the Central Environmental Authority regarding the latest situation on the Palm Oil cultivation undertaken in the country, especially by certain plantation companies.

The Minister stressed that the government had taken steps to deactivate palm oil cultivation in several stages and not to promote it in any way.

Also, in line with the recommendations made to the Presidential Task Force for a Sustainable Economic Development in the face of climate change, which has recommended the phasing out of the palm oil cultivation already undertaken here and instead the cultivation of eco-friendly plants on those lands.

The Minister made the inquiries while discussing the reports prepared for tabling in Parliament on the five year audit reports of the Central Environmental Authority and GSMB Technical Services (PVT) Limited, a state-owned enterprise. Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Secretary to the Ministry of Environment and Hemantha Jayasinghe, Director General of the Central Environmental Authority were also present.

Officials said that steps could not be taken to manage palm oil cultivation under the National Environmental Act.

CEA also said that environmentalists as well as various experts had commented on the depletion of groundwater, damage to water sources and the adverse effects on certain wildlife, especially from palm oil cultivation.

Palm oil currently meets about 35 percent of the world’s vegetable oil needs as it is a good substitute for vegetable oil. Also, the area required for one tonne of palm oil is less than the rest.

Accordingly, the Minister instructed them to continue with measures to undo oil palm cultivation. The Minister also instructed the Central Environmental Authority to conduct further formal research on oil palm cultivation and the environmental damage caused by it.