Integrated kenaf cultivation project is poised to be expanded nationwide

PASIR SALAK: The Plantation Industries and Commodities Ministry (MPIC) is prepared to cooperate with state agriculture agencies nationwide to expand the Ladang Rakyat Kenaf (People's Kenaf Plantation) integrated project.

Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Khairuddin Aman Razali said the ministry, through the National Kenaf and Tobacco Board (LKTN), had for example established a cooperation with the Perak State Agriculture Development Corporation (PPPNP) to implement the project.

"We hope a similar programme can be extended to other states, as the management will be more well-organised if the programme is conducted together with state agencies.

"The programme is seasonal, with each season lasting only four months.... Other places can also see a crop diversification into such a project," he told reporters after officiating at the launch of PPPNP's Ladang Rakyat Kenaf at the Gugusan Lambor Estate here today.

Mohd Khairuddin said this pilot project, which involved PPPNP's 563-hectare (ha) oil palm plantation, would see 25 per cent or 140ha being planted with kenaf along the rows of immature oil palm.

"The maiden integrated project will be implemented over two years involving 70 smallholders," he said.

According to Mohd Khairuddin, kenaf can be harvested in three to four months, offering additional income of up to RM4,000 per season for a project participant.

Mohd Khairuddin said in the pilot project, LKTN would be responsible for planning, managing, coordinating and monitoring the research and development activities related to the cultivation, extraction, processing and marketing of the kenaf produced.

He said LKTN had also allocated RM2,385 per hectare as a kenaf cultivation incentive to interested participants.

In a separate development, Mohd Khairuddin reiterated MPIC's seriousness in fighting against the discrimination against palm oil, as demonstrated by the legal action initiated on Jan 15 by the ministry against the European Union and its member states France and Lithuania.

"We want to bring Europe to justice and into negotiations so there will be no discrimination. We view the World Trade Organisation as a platform that will act fairly to all parties involved," he said.

-- BERNAMA