Govt plans to develop, expand herbs industry

The Government plans to develop the local herbs industry in view of its bright prospects, Agriculture Minister Datuk Amar Dr Sulaiman Daud said yesterday.

He said the ministry will utilise modern methods to promote and expand the herbal industry which is currently undertaken on a small scale now.

The Government is seeking advice from international experts on expansion plans and ensure viability, he told reporters after officiating an international advisory panel dialogue on the development of Malaysian herbs, in Kota Baru yesterday.

Although the country produces its own herbs,production is carried out on a small scale resulting in many traditional herbs being import bill exceeding RM1 billion annually,he said.

Sulaiman said initially,the government through the Ministry of Agriculture will allocate RM2.14 million for the development of the herbs industry in Sungkai,Perak,involving a 200ha herbs plantation.

" The allocation is for the development of infrastructure in the area including the funding of research by Malaysia Agriculture Research and Development Institute(Mardi) and Forest Research Institute Malaysia,"he said.

In his speech the Minister said the Government will ensure the herbs industry will be able to compete and contribute to the country's economic growth.

The herbs industry and traditional medicine will play an important role in the country's health system because local herbal products are on per with imported herbs,he said.Bernama

Source : Business Times, 2.11.99