According to the BBC, it is quite literally in half the products that line our cupboards. Palm oil is reaped from West African oil palm seeds and is popular as an ingredient for its unique properties. However, the massive scale deforestation that is required to produce palm oil is troubling to say the least.
What is happening to oil palms?
The recent increase in duties on the import of crude and refined edible oils has resulted in an increase of about ?2,500 on every tonne of an FFB (Fresh Fruit Bunch) of oil palm, bringing cheers to thousands of farmers in the country.
What is palm oil used for?
According to the BBC, palm oil is used in 50% of consumer products, as well as having a wide range of industrial applications. Follow us and access great exclusive content every day In 2018, farmers produced 77 million tonnes of palm oil globally. By 2024, that number is expected to rise to 107.6 million tonnes.
Are we concerned about the sustainability of the oil palm industry?
Though we are happy at the moment, we are concerned about the sustainability,¡± Pullaiah, an oil palm farmer from Badradri Kothagudem district, told businessline.