Oil Palm cultural practice

The oil palm trees (Elaeis guineensis) at our eco-farm have been fruiting for about four months ago. However as is the cultural practice, it is advisable to remove the initial fruits to encorage more even and better( bigger) fruits later.  This week this exercise in abolishing the first batch of fruits has been completed. To do this the first ring of leaf bases (that hold the fruits) have been chiselled out as seen in the above picture. This is done once in the life of the palm tree. Note: Age of oil palm trees in our farm now is 20 months after planting.