The year in review ... and what lies ahead

Benchmark palm oil futures for February delivery on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange rose 0.9 percent to 3,098 ringgit ($699) a tonne at the end of the trading day. Earlier in the session, they hit a low of 3,051 ringgit, their lowest since Dec. 1

HOW would you relate your experience this year from the impact of the super El-Nino episode on your plantations? And what are your expectations for the year ahead?

Lee Yeow Chor: I had never imagined prior to this that the weather could play such an important role. We always believed in good planting material and good agronomic practices. These are important, but weather – especially drought – can change all that.