Q. With reference to 'palm oil', consider the following statements:
- The palm oil tree is native to Southeast Asia.
- The palm oil is a raw material for some industries producing lipstick and perfumes.
- The palm oil can be used to produce biodiesel.
Which of the statements given above are correct? (UPSC Prelims 2021)
Answer:
2 and 3 only
Notes: The correct answer is [B] 2 and 3 only. Palm oil is a versatile vegetable oil derived from the oil palm tree, playing a critical role in global commerce and energy.
- Native Origin (Statement 1 – Incorrect): The oil palm tree (Elaeis guineensis) is native to West and Central Africa, not Southeast Asia. It was introduced to Malaysia and Indonesia in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, which have since become the world’s leading producers.
- Industrial Raw Material (Statement 2 – Correct): Palm oil and its derivatives are essential ingredients in the cosmetics and personal care industry. Its smooth texture and oxidative stability make it a primary raw material for manufacturing lipsticks, perfumes, soaps, and detergents.
- Biodiesel Production (Statement 3 – Correct): Palm oil is a significant feedstock for the production of first-generation biofuels. It can be processed into palm oil methyl ester (POME), which is used as biodiesel or blended with conventional diesel to reduce carbon emissions.
While Southeast Asia currently dominates global production, the biological origin of the tree remains African. In India, the National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) aims to increase domestic cultivation to reduce import dependency.