DAMI Research Centre

DAMI Research Centre

DAMI Research Centre

The Dami Research Centre, located in West New Britain, is the core of NBPOL’s oil palm research, breeding and seed production capability. Established in the 1970s, Dami supports long‑term productivity, sustainability and planting material quality across NBPOL’s operations and for external growers.

Dami is internationally recognised as a leading oil palm seed production and applied research facility, providing planting material, technical services and research outcomes that underpin sustainable palm oil production.

Research Focus Areas

Dami’s research activities are applied, field‑driven and production‑oriented, supporting plantation performance and sustainability outcomes.

Technical Service

Provides scientific and technical support across plantation development and operations. This interdisciplinary function equips plantation managers with tools, data and guidance for improved sustainable management and productivity.

Biotechnology

Focuses on cloning elite breeding palms through clonal micropropagation to support high‑quality seed production.
 

No genetic modification is involved in this process.

Precision Agriculture

Applies GIS‑based mapping and analytics to monitor palm health, pest and disease infestation, yield performance at block and individual palm levels.

Agronomy

Delivers site‑specific agronomic advice based on soils, climate and nutrient data. This enables:

  • More efficient fertiliser and input use
  • Improved palm management decisions
  • Support for organic recycling and zero‑discharge mill initiatives

Environmental Management

Implements and audits environmental management systems aligned with ISO 14001 principles, including environmental risk mapping and protection of sensitive areas.

Plant Breeding

The Dami breeding programme focuses on developing planting material with:

  • High early yields
  • Exceptional oil extraction rates
  • Reduced vegetative vigour
  • Improved tolerance to drought, nutrient stress and Ganoderma stem rot

Supporting National Oil Palm Research (PNGOPRA)

Dami also serves as a key research platform for the Papua New Guinea Oil Palm Research Association (PNGOPRA) — the research arm of Papua New Guinea’s oil palm industry.

PNGOPRA:

  • Is a membership‑based organisation
  • Conducts research in agronomy, entomology, plant pathology, socioeconomics and smallholders
  • Provides technical guidance to milling companies and smallholders

NBPOL’s Head of Research & Development also serves as PNGOPRA’s Director of Research, and PNGOPRA’s core research activities are operated through Dami, with substations across the country.

This close integration ensures national research efforts remain practical, coordinated and industry‑relevant.

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Role within SD Guthrie Group

Dami Research Centre complements SD Guthrie Group research and innovation capabilities, contributing to:

  • Long‑term genetic improvement
  • Sustainable plantation productivity
  • Science‑based decision‑making

Research outcomes from Dami directly support NBPOL’s Seeds & Research business and the Group’s broader sustainability and productivity agenda.