How Asian Agri’s Topaz Seeds Are Redefining Sustainable Palm Oil Through Science and Innovation

As global demand for palm oil continues to grow, the industry must find ways to increase productivity while avoiding further land expansion. At Asian Agri, part of the RGE Group founded by Sukanto Tanoto, innovation through science has become a key solution.

Since 1992, Asian Agri’s Oil Palm Research Station (OPRS) in Riau, Indonesia, has been developing high-performing oil palm varieties through decades of research and breeding. That work led to the development of Topaz, Asian Agri’s oil palm seed variety developed to support higher productivity and more sustainable cultivation practices. Today, the company has distributed more than 200 million seeds, helping Topaz gain recognition across Indonesia and international markets.

Developed through Dura × Pisifera (DxP) hybrid breeding technology, Topaz seeds are designed to deliver higher Fresh Fruit Bunch (FFB) yields, strong Oil Extraction Rates (OER), adaptability across different soil conditions, and resistance to Ganoderma disease. Their slower vertical growth also supports easier harvesting and long-term plantation management.

Beyond improving plantation productivity, Topaz seeds also play an important role in supporting smallholders. Through replanting programmes launched since 2016, Asian Agri has supported the replanting of 18,930 hectares of smallholder plantations using Topaz seeds alongside agronomic guidance.

The company aims to help smallholders double productivity from 15 to 30 tonnes of FFB per hectare by 2030, while also supporting their journey toward ISPO and RSPO certification.

Through Topaz seeds, Asian Agri continues to demonstrate how science, innovation, and collaboration can help shape a more sustainable future for palm oil.

 

Explore Topaz Seeds and learn more about Asian Agri’s sustainability commitments.