By P.Vijian, NNN-Bernama,
New Delhi : World largest kenaf producer Bangladesh will jointly conduct research with Malaysia to develop new high-yielding kenaf seedlings, a viable alternative for Malaysian tobacco farmers.
Plantation Industries and Commodities deputy minister Senator A. Kohillan Pillay said Bangladesh Jute and Textile Ministry has agreed to collaborate with Malaysian scientists to develop the new variety.
“We have agreed to conduct joinT research, especially with UPM (Universiti Putra Malaysia) and I believe we can produce high quality kenaf seedlings for Malaysia, which can be planted in selected trial plots.
“At present in Kelantan and Terengganu, we have started kenaf plantation as an alternative crop for tobacco, so farmers can earn better income in these states,” Kohillan told Bernama.
He led a ministerial delegation to Dhaka early this week and held discussions with Bangladesh Jute and Textile Minister Abdul Latiff Siddiqui.
At present, about 400 farmers are involved in planting kenaf in nearly 1,400 hectares of land, mainly in Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis and Terengganu.
Bangladesh is a leading producer of kenaf, a variety of the hibiscus family and second most important natural fibre next to cotton. It is usually cultivated for its fibre, which is often used in making ropes, coarse cloth, and widely used in composite industries, for manufacturing paper, textiles and composite boards.
Besides, Kenaf oil is used for cosmetics, industrial lubricants and bio-fuel.
Apart from Bangladesh, India and Thailand are major producers of Kenaf in the region.