Portrait of Neoh Ah Seng in his 0.6 hectare (1.5 acres) oil palm grove. Wild Asia convinces Mr. Neoh to stop blanket spray the ground, allow the grass to grow and create "habitat islands" where beneficial plants attract predator insects to eat pests.
His small plantation is cooler and yields have not decrease by the lack of pesticide usage. He still uses chemical fertilizer, when he determines they're needed.
Mr. Neoh had heard of the EUDR but not much about the details. He is aware of global concern about cutting down Malaysian rainforests, though this plot has been agricultural land for decades. The land, already used for agriculture, was passed down to him by his father.
He is concerned about the changing climate and the irregularity of rains that have come along with it. Before adhering to the RSPO (Rountable on Sustainable Palm Oil) standards, he would spray the herbicide, leaving the ground bare. That increased erosion and the grove was hotter.
Now, there are more birds and insects.
Near Kampung Chenderong Kelubi, Perak, Malaysia.
//WHITLOWDELANOJAMES_SIPA.59762/Credit:James Whitlow Delano/SIPA/2411131738