Kenaf Industry Seeks Greater Govt Support To Boost Growth -- Chan

CYBERJAYA, Sept 19 (Bernama) -- The kenaf industry needs more government support to accelerate its growth and attract more smallholders to engage in its cultivation, which could significantly contribute to the national economy, according to Deputy Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin.

He noted that although kenaf is relatively new compared to other commodities, its unique qualities -- such as the short three-month cultivation cycle -- make it appealing to smallholders seeking to increase their income from this sector.

“Its uniqueness lies in the fact that we don’t need years to generate income, we can harvest every three months,” he said.

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Chan emphasised that government assistance is crucial as the ministry aims to establish an ecosystem where every industry would have its own upstream, midstream, and downstream sectors.

Speaking to the media after attending the 2024 National Kenaf Industry Conference (PKIK 2024) here today, Chan added that downstream products utilising kenaf have been receiving more attention from the people.

“As the industry grows, we’ll need more people to cultivate this commodity. Besides encouraging smallholders, we also aim to collaborate with large companies.

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“So for those plantation companies, if you are looking at diversifying your crops, this is it. It has a short cycle so you won’t have a problem with your cash flow,” he added.

The event showcased various products derived from kenaf, including livestock feed, mattresses, and building materials, all contributing to the increasing demand for kenaf-based raw materials.

Earlier on, Chan delivered a keynote address by Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, and officiated the event on behalf of the minister.

Johari highlighted that the PKIK 2024 conference reflects the commitment of the National Kenaf and Tobacco Board (LKTN) -- an agency under the Ministry -- to lead the kenaf agro-commodity sector toward sustainable and competitive growth in Malaysia, thus generating significant value for the national economy.

Scientifically known as Hibiscus Cannabinus, kenaf is a non-woody fiber crop which belongs to the Malvaceae family and shares similarities with okra and cotton.

Kenaf cultivation was expanded throughout Malaysia in 2010, with large-scale plantations in Pahang, Kelantan, Terengganu, Perak, Negeri Sembilan, and Johor, and the cultivation of the plant for seed production is being carried out in Kedah and Perlis.

“In 2023, the market value of kenaf products reached RM8.88 million, an increase of RM3.31 million or 59.32 per cent compared to RM5.57 million in 2022.

“As of the second quarter of 2024, the market value of kenaf products has reached RM6.28 million, marking a RM2.67 million or 74.09 per cent increase compared to RM3.61 million during the same period in 2023,” said Johari.

-- BERNAMA