Consider the following statements with reference to Palm Oil:1. It is ...
Palm Oil
- Palm oil is an edible vegetable oil derived from the mesocarp (reddish pulp) of the fruit of the oil palms. Hence statement 1 is correct.
- It is used as cooking oil, and in everything from cosmetics, processed foods, cakes, chocolates, spreads, soaps, shampoo, and cleaning products to biofuel.
- The use of crude palm oil in making biodiesel is being branded as ‘green diesel’.
- Indonesia and Malaysia together account for almost 90% of the global palm oil production, with Indonesia producing the largest quantity at over 45 million Tonnes in 2021. Hence statement 2 is correct.
- The oil palm industry has come under criticism for what are unsustainable production practices leading to deforestation, and exploitative labor practices carried forward from the colonial era.
- However, palm oil is preferred by many as it is inexpensive, oil palms produce more oil per hectare than some other vegetable oil plants like soybean.
Consider the following statements with reference to Palm Oil:1. It is ...
Palm Oil
Statement 1: Palm oil is derived from the mesocarp of the fruit of the oil palms.
Palm oil is a type of vegetable oil that is extracted from the mesocarp, which is the fleshy part of the fruit, of oil palms. Oil palms are tropical plants that belong to the family Arecaceae, and their scientific name is Elaeis guineensis. The oil palm fruit is reddish-orange in color and is about the size of a small plum. The mesocarp is rich in oil, which is extracted through a process known as pressing. Palm oil is widely used in various industries, including food, cosmetics, and biofuel.
Therefore, statement 1 is correct.
Statement 2: Indonesia and Malaysia together account for almost 90% of the global palm oil production.
Indonesia and Malaysia are the two largest producers of palm oil in the world. They have a dominant position in the global palm oil market, accounting for approximately 90% of the total production.
Indonesia is the largest producer, contributing around 57% of the global palm oil production. The country has vast plantations dedicated to oil palm cultivation, particularly in Sumatra, Kalimantan, and Papua. Due to its favorable climate and suitable soil conditions, Indonesia has become a major player in the palm oil industry.
Malaysia is the second-largest producer, accounting for about 30% of the global palm oil production. The country has also invested heavily in oil palm cultivation, mainly in the states of Sabah and Sarawak. Malaysia has established efficient processing facilities and has developed a strong infrastructure for palm oil production and export.
Together, Indonesia and Malaysia dominate the global palm oil market, with their combined production exceeding the rest of the world's production. The remaining 10% of global palm oil production is distributed among other countries, including Thailand, Colombia, Nigeria, and Papua New Guinea.
Therefore, statement 2 is correct.
Conclusion: Both statements 1 and 2 are correct.
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