Controversies. How often do we unknowingly find ourself in one? How we deal with it is what makes or breaks an individual. Is it something that one can run away from? Definitely a BIG NO. How then does one deal with it?
I recently had the privilege of attending a wonderful webinar hosted by MPOC [Malaysian Palm Oil Council]. A quick tête-à-tête with Dr Bhavna Shah – Country Representative for India & Sri Lanka, Malaysian Palm Oil Council who beautifully Dispelled Myths around Palm Oil. This event was very well coordinated by Ms Avni from MPOC along with Ms. Priyanka Patel & Mr. Rauf Sayed from Unbox Concepts. Here are a few topics that were discussed and brought to light.
1) Is Palm Oil Unhealthy.
A conversation warped in today’s time. The industry is cluttered with various brands that talks about healthy living minus the side effects of oil. MPOC as a policy over time has never belittled a competition by promoting themselves superior. This fact was very well brought to light by Dr. Shah. Oil is among basic cooking needs and 1 gram of palm oil = 9 kcal of energy. Now that’s more than twice the amount of energy provided by carbs and protein. Making it a healthier option. The Horeca industry depends heavily on Palm Oil which speaks volumes about the health aspect.
2) Impact of Pandemic on the demand
The year 2020 saw a pause in the economy. Industries came to a standstill and the among them, the Horeca industry was badly hit. With little to almost no demand from the Indian Market, the supply chain was hit. The impact was dreadful but dealt with poise by MPOC.
3) The Orangutan threat
Another huge controversy. Overtime Malaysia has been under the lens for the depletion of Palm Trees for make for the demand of Palm oil. Now here is the flipside to it. MPOC has established the Malaysian Palm Oil Wildlife Conservation Fund (MPOWCF) and has initiated a number of wildlife and biodiversity conservation programmes keeping in mind issues faced by the industry: from orangutan and elephant conservation to the country’s first Wildlife Rescue Centre. On checking their website, there was a host of projects under MPOWCF that is either ongoing or complete. Maintaining a healthy balance and giving back to Mother Nature.
4) Desi vs Videshi
The idiom for the year is ‘Vocal for Local’. In India, states of Kerala, Andhra Pradesh & North East are being explored for the cultivation of Palm Oil in India. However, certain hindrances like fragmented land holdings, non-availability of good water supply came to light. Another one for effort.
And this is just among the few controversies discussed. How easy it is to pull down a strong empire? It’s eventually up to us. To check and recheck facts. To not be gullible. To make informed decisions. Especially when it comes to sensitive conversations.
More information on this available at Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC), please visit their website on https://www.mpoc.org.in
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