PRIMARY INDUSTRIES MINISTRY TO BOOST KENAF R&D
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 22 (Bernama) --The Ministry of Primary Industries will focus on kenaf (hibiscus cannabinus) research and development activities with the aim to increase commercialisation of the commodity and its by-products.
Its Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Md Akin said the move was to further develop the kenaf industry, now one of the new sustainable sources of economic growth for the country while helping those involved in the field.
"The ministry through the National Kenaf and Tobacco Board (LKTN) will step up kenaf research and development as this constitutes the first stage of developing kenaf-based products.
"This effort will also realise the government's aspiration to increase kenaf farmers’ capabilities to enable them to venture into the industry to earn more returns," he said when met by reporters after opening the 2018 National Kenaf Industry Conference here today.
The conference held to discuss on latest developments and economic opportunities in the industry was attended by 300 participants.
Shamsul Iskandar added that with the expansion of business network and increase usage of kenaf, the industry could generate a domestic revenue of RM350 million and RM3.5 billion globally, by 2025.
Kenaf, now an alternative crop to tobacco plants has great potential in the biocomposite industry as its fibre can be processed into a variety of goods for the automotive, construction, furniture, pulp, paper, textile and animal feed industries.
-- BERNAMA
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