Government Identifies Kenaf As Alternative To Tobacco

KUALA LUMPUR (Malaysia), March 28 (Bernama) -- The government has identified kenaf as the alternative crop to tobacco, and aims to develop it into a new sustainable source of income growth, Deputy Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities, Hamzah Zainudin said. He said the move, to complement tobacco for which production has been declining due to several factors, will also diversify the Malaysian commodities market. Kenaf, native to Sudan, is a hardy crop cultivated for its fibre and woody core. "With the challenges faced by the National Kenaf and Tobacco Board (NKTB) and stiff competition in the tobacco industry globally, the government has decided to promote alternative crops such as kenaf, as a potential new income source for our farmers in Malaysia. "Factors which have affected the declining production of tobacco in Malaysia, among others are the global anti-tobacco campaign, high cost of production and low yields," he told reporters after launching "The Second Asia Tobacco Forum", here on Wednesday. Hamzah said the government is offering incentives in the form of a cash reward for farmers who opt for kenaf planting from tobacco. "But, in line with the government's policy, we will not stop the planting of tobacco until 2020. We are just telling growers that there is an alternative crop. "In this regard, we are assisting them through incentives such as RM2,300 (US$749.61) per hectare, for kenaf planting," he added. He said that the adoption of kenaf as an alternative crop is also in line with the green initiatives currently undertaken by the government. He said kenaf is certified as a green crop and has huge potential to replace certain chemical based products in the industrial building system and packaging business. "I have tried to market this crop to nations like Japan, Korea and Taiwan and the reception is good. "I am also engaging with various multi-national companies based here, such as Panasonic, to use kenaf instead of polystyrene for packaging purposes," he added. Meanwhile, Hamzah also urged tobacco growers and processing companies to focus on research and development activities to innovate and introduce scientific products out of the tobacco crop. He said the growers must play a major role in changing the negative perception of tobacco among the people. "People out there equate tobacco with cigarettes. But in reality, tobacco is used for many other purpose such as pharmaceutical products and even ingredients," he added. -- BERNAMA