Indonesia to Use 1 Million African Weevils to Spur Palm Output

Indonesia is betting on tiny bugs from Africa to help boost its palm oil production, as the broader sector grapples with tightening supply that threatens to keep prices elevated and add to food inflation.

The world’s top grower is planning to introduce around 1 million of the weevils at some plantations this year to improve pollination and fruit development. Three species collected from Tanzania are expected to arrive at a facility in North Sumatra next month for a series of tests before they are released.