I REFER to your report regarding Bio-Daun lemongrass franchise opportunities and would like to congratulate the team for the venture (”BioDaun offers lemongrass franchise opportunities” — NST, Oct 7).

The time is opportune for the government to encourage, through its agencies, tobacco farmers to grow lemongrass and gradually reduce tobacco-growing land. Since the time taken to harvest the crop is within six months, with proper planning, double-cropping may even be possible per year.

With the projected income of between RM70,000 and RM85,000 per annum per hectare, this offers good returns. A reduction in tobacco production may increase the cost of cigarettes and help many smokers kick the habit.

A neighbouring country was successful in persuading poppy farmers to cultivate fruit trees.

Here in Malaysia, we can have lemongrass instead of tobacco. “Tak Nak” may be achieved yet!

K.A. NAYAR, Seremban

Source: NST – October 10, 2008