PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT SEC 4 94 NEW INITIATIVES In 2023, we continued our Rat Baiting Programme, implementing response baiting initiatives in targeted areas with serious rat infestations to reduce their population and mitigate their impact on crops and property. Additionally, we transitioned our chemical usage for bagworm control at our plantations from class 1 to class 3 chemicals. PROGRESS AND ACHIEVEMENTS Since 2020, we have introduced barn owls to our estates in Sabah, where they are not native. This has expanded our biological control measures, notably reducing the need for rodenticides and optimising costs. FGV advocates the responsible use of pesticides, herbicides and fertilisers, guided by World Health Organization standards and avoiding chemicals classified in Class 1A or 1B list. We also avoided chemicals listed by the Stockholm or Rotterdam conventions, except under special circumstances. Since 2019, we have completely ceased using Class 1 herbicides. FGV also adopted a balanced approach in fertilisation, combining organic and inorganic fertilisers to enhance palm growth while maintaining optimal yields. Environmental impact is minimised through scientific assessment using foliar and soil analysis results, taking into account site yield potential and other factors. We also adopted precision farming techniques to reduce manpower, operational time and fuel consumption and developed drone-spraying methods for efficient weed, pest and disease control. GOING FORWARD FGV remains committed to advancing our efforts in soil, pest and disease management within our plantations. We will continue to adopt sustainable practices, incorporating measures to reduce our environmental footprint while ensuring optimal productivity and crop health. PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT Sustainability is integrated into every aspect of our operations, including fertilisation.
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