CHOICE OF KENAF AS TOBACCO REPLACEMENT HAS MPS BAFFLED

Source from:  Bernama - Tuesday, August 19KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 18 (Bernama) 08/19/2008

Members of Parliament (MPs) today questioned why kenaf, a jute-like plant is chosen as repalcement for tobacco as farmers know little about it particularly the potential. Khairy Jamaluddin (BN-Rembau) said the government should plan before introducing a new crop so that it could penetrate international markets and raise the income of farmers who had switched from tobacco. "We don't want to end up with unsold kenaf in our hands. The minister must explain why kenaf is given priority ahead of proven crops like corn and groundnuts," he said when debating the Kenaf and National Tobacco Authority Bill 2008 in Dewan Rakyat here today. His view was shared by Datuk Bung Moktar Radin (BN-Kinabatangan) who wanted the government to explain what kind of guarantee it could render to tobacco farmers who switch to kenaf cultivation. "Why is the government introducing kenaf all of a sudden. Why kenaf and not other crops and can the government guarantee high returns," he asked. -- MORE PARLIAMENT-DEBATE (KENAF) 2 KUALA LUMPUR Khairy said kenaf cultivation need high cost in terms of infrastructure, land preparation and seedlings. "Is this an obstacle preventing farmers from migrating from tobacco to kenaf? If so, the government must ensure high yields and returns so that our investment is worth it. "Although there is demand from Japan and Korea, kenaf is not known as a mainstream crop and is still a prototype. We don't know the risks involved. He proposed that the government provide subsidy to kenaf farmers aimed at increasing productivity and skills as kenaf was not only beneficial than tobacco but also environment friendly as recognised by the Kyoto Protocol since it reduced global warming. Enditem