Which country produces the most palm oil in the world?
Indonesia is the main palm oil producing country in the world (around 60% of global production) 7 and the crop is a key driver of its economy 7, 19. Oil palm has contributed to rural development, with 42% of the oil palm area managed by smallholders and the remaining area managed by large plantations 20.
Why is oil palm production increasing in Indonesia?
A yield gap analysis of soybean in China Oil palm production in Indonesia illustrates the intense pressure that exists worldwide to convert natural ecosystems to agricultural production. Oil palm production has increased because of expansion of cultivated area rather than due to average-yield increases.
Where does palm oil come from?
Palm oil is extracted from the ripened mesocarp of the fruits of oil palm tree (Elaeis guineensis). The oil palm fruit is a drupe formed in spiky tight bunches. The five leading producing countries are Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Colombia and Nigeria.
What are the basic operations associated with palm oil processing?
The basic unit operations associated with palm oil processing include fruit sterilization, fruit loosening/stripping, digestion, oil extraction and clarification. Fruit sterilization denotes heat rendering and moisture absorption. The aim is to inactivate the lipolytic enzymes in the fruit mesocarp.