This project was proposed and approved by PNGOPRA Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) in 2015 as an impact project towards promoting fertiliser use by oil palm smallholder growers to improve productivity (t/ha). Recent research conducted at Hoskins by PNGOPA showed significant and positive responses to yields through the adoption of best management practices (BMP) including fertiliser use (PNGOPRA Annual Report, 2014 & 2015). Despite this achievement, one third of oil palm growers continue to reject fertilizer even though they are aware of the agronomic and economic benefits of applying fertilizer. The aim of this project was to identify the impact of fertilizer usage by smallholders and to develop interventions to increase fertilizer use.
