Stories Beyond the lab coats: Women at the heart of sustainable agriculture

Science isn’t just something you find in labs or research papers – it’s alive in the fields, under the sun, and in the hands of those pushing boundaries.

At SMART Research Institute (SMARTRI), two women scientists, Elfrin and Dian, are bringing science out of the lab and into the real world, making a difference by helping farmers optimise their land and protect crops in harmony with nature.

Their work goes beyond innovation; it’s about inspiring change and showing that sustainability is, at its core, a human endeavour.

Unlocking the potential of plasma research

How can farmers make the most of their land while waiting for their oil palms to mature? For Elfrin Nisa Azmi, the answer lies in intercropping – growing seasonal crops alongside young oil palms to help farmers earn extra income while keeping their land productive.

As a Plasma Researcher at SMARTRI, Elfrin helps farmers unlock the full potential of their land. By integrating horticultural crops during the immature phase (TBM), farmers can enjoy financial stability without compromising the growth of their primary crop.

A typical day for Elfrin involves designing field trials, monitoring progress, and working closely with farmers, estate managers, and technical teams to ensure that intercropping practices run smoothly.

“Intercropping helps farmers bridge the gap during the early years of oil palm cultivation. It’s not just about making use of land but also giving farmers more options and improving their livelihoods,” she says.

Static overlay

Elfrin (white shirt) leads an interactive field session where she shares insights on intercropping techniques to optimise land use.

Static overlay

Elfrin celebrates the success of an intercropping initiative with local farmers, showcasing a thriving maize harvest planted alongside oil palms..

In 2023, Elfrin’s work earned recognition when a delegation of 10 foreign ambassadors visited our plantations and saw first-hand how sustainable land management practices benefit both farmers and local communities.

“Seeing farmers succeed – whether it’s through better yields or more stable incomes keeps me going. It’s a reminder of why our work matters and the impact we can make,” says Elfrin with a smile.

Listening to nature: A smarter way to protect crops

Protecting oil palm crops without harming the environment is a challenge. For Dian Nurul Izzati, an Entomologist at SMARTRI, the key is working with nature, not against it. Dian’s research focuses on semiochemicals—how plants and insects communicate using chemical signals. By understanding these natural interactions, she develops sustainable pest control methods, such as natural repellents and mating disruption techniques.

“Pest control isn’t just about eliminating pests. It’s about understanding their behaviour and managing them in a way that doesn’t harm the ecosystem,” Dian explains. Her environmentally-friendly solutions include using pheromone traps to attract Oryctes beetles, breeding natural predators like Sycanus, and installing owl-nesting boxes to naturally control rodents.

One of Dian’s biggest challenges was working with Oryctes beetles, known for their resilience. “We had to find new ways to contain them because they kept chewing through the enclosures,” she recalls, laughing. “It was frustrating, but it also reminded me why our work matters.”

Her team monitors pest populations and takes preventive measures, such as planting Turnera flowers that attract beneficial insects to keep pests in check naturally.

For Dian, pest management is a delicate balancing act—one she approaches with the same care as a doctor treating patients, except her patients are plants. “Like human health, prevention is always better than a cure,” she says.

“The solutions we develop today can transform pest management, reducing our reliance on chemicals and focusing more on natural, sustainable methods.”

At Sinar Mas Agribusiness and Food, our R&D initiatives are driving breakthroughs to boost oil palm yields, refine sustainable agronomic practices, and create delicious, nutritious palm-based food products. Explore our R&D efforts here.