Malaysia: LKTN Allocates RM3.3m to Help 1,200 Former Tobacco Farmers

Source from:  New Straits Times  11/14/2013

The National Kenaf and Tobacco Board (LKTN) is allocating RM3.3 million this year to help more than 1,200 former tobacco farmers to plant alternative crop or carry out livestock rearing.

Its director, Datuk Ahmad Loman, said the assistance would be provided to assist the affected farmers who had lost their source of income following the board's decision to cease with tobacco planting activities since last May.

"The names of the affected farmers will be submitted to the Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry for assistance to help them carry out their agriculture activities, like vegetable planting or livestock rearing to replace tobacco planting.

"Former tobacco farmers who are involved in kenaf planting with continue to be assisted by LKTN," he told reporters after opening the board's excellent service award presentation and Innovation Day here today.

In another development, Ahmad said the board would identify suitable areas for kenaf planting towards achieving the targetted production of 10 tonnes per hectare.

So far, we have been able to produce only five tonnes per hectare, he added. Enditem