InfoSAWIT, SINGAPORE – Technological transformation in the palm oil plantation sector is creating new opportunities for women, gradually reshaping a traditionally male-dominated industry.

Across plantations in Southeast Asia and Africa, women are increasingly taking on technical, operational, and supervisory roles. They are now operating machinery, managing digital field data, and leading field teams.

The shift is driven by wider adoption of technologies such as mechanical loaders, GPS-guided tractors, motorised cutters, and drones.

“Technology is gradually reducing reliance on physical strength and shifting focus to precision, focus, and technical skills—capabilities that can be learned by anyone, including women,” InfoSAWIT reported, citing Wilmar’s LinkedIn post.

This transformation is also challenging long-standing gender norms in agricultural work.

Beyond productivity gains, mechanisation is improving workplace safety. Technologies such as drones for spraying and automated fertiliser spreaders help reduce direct exposure to chemicals.

Wilmar noted that mechanisation is not only about efficiency but also about developing human capital and fostering inclusivity in the plantation sector. (T2)