KUALA LUMPUR: Sime Darby Plantation Bhd has signed an agreement to supply high-quality oil palm seeds to Godrej Agrovet Limited (GAVL)’s oil palm business unit and set up a state-of-the-art seed production unit in India.

In a statement, the plantations group said it would provide India with 1.3 million germinated seeds sourced from its operations in Indonesia, Malaysia and Papua New Guinea.

It said the endeavour combines its cutting-edge research, development capabilities and proprietary knowledge with GAVL’s strong presence and expertise in the Indian Oil Palm Plantation (OPP) sector.

“Together, we aim to address gaps in India’s vegetable oil industry, supply the seeds they need and strengthen its position in the global market. We are thrilled to embark on this transformative journey with them.

“Innovation and sustainability are at the core of our partnership. We aim to deliver tangible benefits to Indian farmers while supporting India’s journey towards self-reliance in vegetable oil production,” said Sime Darby Plantation group managing director Datuk Mohamad Helmy Othman Basha.

GAVL, a part of the diversified Indian conglomerate the Godrej Group, has more than 30 years of experience in the oil palm business and has been working with and educating farmers on best sustainable practices of oil palm.